Northeastern Illinois University graduates students with low debt, provides exceptional student experience, per 2026 reports
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
For the 12th year in a row, Northeastern Illinois University graduates its students with the least amount of student debt among Midwest regional universities, according to the U.S. News and World Report 2026 “Best Colleges” publication. Northeastern also ranked No. 1 in Illinois and No. 19 in the country for Student Experience according to the Wall Street Journal’s “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” Both reports focus on undergraduate outcomes.
“Northeastern Illinois University has always been committed to providing our students with access to an excellent and affordable education,” said President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D. “Northeastern’s Mission, Vision and Values, all focus on providing an exceptional environment for learning, teaching, and scholarship to prepare our students for leadership and service in our dynamic multicultural world. I am pleased that our recent rankings reflect those goals.”
According to U.S. News and World Report, Northeastern has the fourth-highest Social Mobility ranking among public regional universities in Illinois. Among Illinois colleges and universities — both public and private — Northeastern has the fifth-highest Social Mobility ranking, per the Wall Street Journal’s report. Both rankings demonstrate graduates’ movement up the socioeconomic ladder.
Additionally, U.S. News and World Report noted Northeastern's strong Pell grant graduation performance, which indicates that the University is excelling at enrolling and graduating students with significant financial need.
The Wall Street Journal Student Experience is evaluated by how students enjoy the University’s facilities, extracurricular activities, diversity, feel a sense of community (including emotional and mental health support, sustainability and safety on campus) and affordability.
U.S. News and World Report evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure success. To be included in the Best Colleges directory, U.S. institutions must grant bachelor's degrees, hold regional accreditation, offer traditional campus-based education, and actively accept new applicants for first-year, full-time students. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rated 584 eligible universities across the country for their rankings, evaluating student outcomes (including salary impact), graduation rates, learning environment and diversity.
Top photo: A group of Northeastern Illinois University students participating in the May 2025 Commencement ceremony.