Mathematics at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,857/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #85 of 253 Mathematics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $742K $713K $603K
Earnings Multiple 14.6x 14.0x 11.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 58

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
$23,068
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,553
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Illinois University's Mathematics program produces graduates earning $44,857/yr — within striking distance of the $50,797 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mathematics's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 19% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,068 represents roughly 6 months of the $44,857 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #85 of 253 Mathematics programs, Northern Illinois University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $73,553 show a 64% jump from the $44,857 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at Northern Illinois University?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Mathematics field.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $602,911 in decade earnings vs $741,998 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →