Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor's degree · Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL
How this program compares
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Northern Illinois University earn a median of $68,069 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $92,135 four years after graduating (middle half: $77,715–$109,121). Median debt is $23,125, about 34% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's degree) at other Illinois schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $80,187 | $20,193 |
| Northwestern University Evanston | $75,253 | $13,942 |
| Bradley University Peoria | $71,746 | $27,000 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $69,871 | $20,146 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale | $69,454 | $19,500 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $66,546 | $21,774 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago | $65,386 | $25,000 |
Other programs at Northern Illinois University
- TaxationMaster's degree
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$107,425 - Mechanical EngineeringMaster's degree
$96,253 - Psychology, GeneralDoctoral degree
$86,837 - Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's degree
$85,140 - Engineering-Related FieldsMaster's degree
$81,686 - Computer ScienceBachelor's degree
$77,257 - Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's degree
$75,557 - Electrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringBachelor's degree
$74,442 - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsDoctoral degree
$74,259 - Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralMaster's degree
$72,505 - Industrial EngineeringBachelor's degree
$72,112 - Accounting and Related ServicesMaster's degree
$71,477 - Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied ProfessionsBachelor's degree
$70,654 - Educational/Instructional Media DesignMaster's degree
$68,913 - Accounting and Related ServicesBachelor's degree
$63,743 - Educational Administration and SupervisionMaster's degree
$63,264 - Public AdministrationMaster's degree
$62,849 - Engineering Technologies/Technicians, GeneralBachelor's degree
$62,117 - Special Education and TeachingMaster's degree
$60,274
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Northern Illinois University make?
The median salary is $68,069 one year after graduation and $86,692 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $23,125.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.