Northeastern Illinois University: Reputation, Rankings, and Financial Standing
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1867, NEIU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as education, business, arts and sciences, social work, and health sciences, with a strong focus on access, affordability, and community-engaged learning. The university serves a diverse student body and emphasizes experiential education, applied research, and partnerships that connect academic knowledge with real-world impact. This article delves into the university's reputation, rankings, and recent improvements in its financial standing.
Academic Rankings and Recognition
In the edition of Best Colleges, Northeastern Illinois University is ranked No. #145-160 in Regional Universities Midwest. It's also ranked No. #65 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. These rankings provide insight into NEIU's position among its peers and its commitment to student success.
U.S. News & World Report
Northeastern Illinois University's ranking in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges is No. #145-160 in Regional Universities Midwest. This ranking reflects the university's overall academic quality and its performance across various factors considered by U.S. News & World Report.
Top Performer on Social Mobility
Northeastern Illinois University is ranked No. #65 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. This ranking highlights the university's success in enrolling and graduating students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Campus Environment
Northeastern Illinois University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,226 (fall 2024), and the campus size is 67 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Northeastern Illinois University is 11:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Northeastern Illinois University accepts the Common Application and has a test-blind admissions policy.
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Student-Faculty Ratio
The student-faculty ratio at Northeastern Illinois University is 11:1. This ratio indicates the level of personalized attention students can expect to receive from their professors.
Campus Size and Enrollment
The campus size is 67 acres, and the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,226 (fall 2024).
Financials
The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,742; out-of-state tuition and fees are $23,085. Seventy-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $13,209. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $43,801.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,742; out-of-state tuition and fees are $23,085. Seventy-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $13,209.
Graduation Rate and Median Salary
The four-year graduation rate is 7%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $43,801.
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Upward Financial Momentum
Moody’s cited several factors contributing to this upgrade, including the University's targeted investments to boost enrollment, prudent expense management, sustained support from the State of Illinois and overall stable operating performance. “I am very pleased with this outcome,” Vice President for Finance and Administration Beni Ortiz said.
Credit Rating Upgrades
The University’s issuer rating - the overall ability to meet financial obligations - went up one notch from Ba1 to Baa3, bringing it to investment grade status. Its certificates of participation rating - a credit rating for municipal projects and organizations - is also up one notch from Ba2 to Ba1. These ratings continue the University’s upward financial momentum, having received a one-notch upgrade to its S&P Global credit ranking in 2024 and upgrades from Moody’s in 2021 and 2022.
Factors Contributing to the Upgrade
Moody’s cited several factors contributing to this upgrade, including the University's targeted investments to boost enrollment, prudent expense management, sustained support from the State of Illinois and overall stable operating performance.
President's Statement
“This upgrade represents an important milestone for Northeastern and affirms the progress we continue to make in strengthening our financial position,” said President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D.
Free Speech Climate
Northeastern Illinois University ranks 65 out of 257 schools in the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings with a score of 61 and a D- speech climate grade. Student perceptions rate NEIU highly in several areas. Every school's score is shaped by campus policies.
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Overall Score and Grade
Northeastern Illinois University ranks 65 out of 257 schools in the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings with a score of 61 and a D- speech climate grade.
Key Factors Shaping the Score
The Overall Score is made up of 12 parts. Six measure how students feel about free speech on campus. Three look at school speech policies. The last three look at how people on campus respond during speech controversies. The Grade is a letter based on the college's rounded Overall Score.
Measures of Student Perceptions
Comfort Expressing Ideas measures how comfortable students feel sharing their views on controversial topics in different campus settings. Disruptive Conduct measures how acceptable students think it is to disrupt a campus speaker. Openness measures how many controversial topics students feel they can openly discuss on campus. Self-Censorship measures how often students hold back their views on campus. Administrative Support measures how clearly students think their school supports free speech and how likely the administration is to defend a speaker's rights during a controversy. Political Tolerance measures how willing students are to allow controversial speakers - on both the left and right - to speak on campus, even if they disagree with their views.
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