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Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $51,128/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (55% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (492,600 openings/yr)

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #45 of 118 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$630K	$621K	$552K
Earnings Multiple	12.4x	12.2x	10.9x
Probability of Field Employment	71%	66%	44%
DegreeOutlook Score	73	73	69

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

$20,000

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,538

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $51,128/yr fall 18% below the $62,729 national median for Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

At $20,000 in median debt against $51,128 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #45 of 118 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods programs, Northern Illinois University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $51,128 to $65,538 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University has a 70% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 11,277 students 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

Chief executives $206,420/yr

Actuaries $125,770/yr

Data scientists $112,590/yr

View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Illinois University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at Northern Illinois University?

This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods careers?

With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $552,316 in decade earnings vs $630,364 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods from Northern Illinois University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →