Human Services, General at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,062/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (82,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #61 of 84 Human Services, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Services, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $516K $515K $492K
Earnings Multiple 10.2x 10.1x 9.7x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 68% 57%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,636
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,762
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Illinois University's Human Services, General graduates start at $29,062/yr, trailing the $37,292 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 26% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$29,062 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #61 out of 84 programs, Northern Illinois University's financial outcomes for Human Services, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,062 to $46,762 over five years (61% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Northern Illinois University

A 70% acceptance rate means Northern Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois University →

Top Career Paths

Social and community service managers $78,240/yr
Community and social service specialists, all other $54,940/yr
Social and human service assistants $45,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Services, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Illinois University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Illinois University's Human Services, General program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Human Services, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Human Services, General earnings lower at Northern Illinois University?
Lower starting pay at Northern Illinois University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →