by our College Data Analytics TeamMake the best college choice by understanding the true cost of college. Start by understanding the yearly costs at Northern Illinois University.
On this page you will find:
This school bundles housing and dining options together into one package. The on-campus cost for any typical student was about $12,442 in 2026. When you add it all up, a student living on campus at Northern Illinois University spent approximately $20,618 in 2026 for room, board, books and other living costs combined.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for Northern Illinois University.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $16,582 | $16,322 |
| — Housing | $14,160 | |
| — Meals | $2,422 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $2,836 | $2,836 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Total | $20,618 | $20,358 |
Room and board is a moving target: it tends to creep up every year you are enrolled. A forward look helps you avoid sticker shock later in your degree.
At the projected rate, four years of on-campus living costs would total roughly $96,439 in room, board and other essentials.
This is how on-campus room and board has tracked over the last few years, plus a forward projection, at Northern Illinois University.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $13,440 |
| Two Years Ago | $13,860 |
| One Year Ago | $15,636 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $16,582 |
| One Year From Now * | $17,874 |
| Two Years From Now * | $19,267 |
| Three Years From Now * | $20,768 |
| Four Years From Now * | $22,386 |
* estimated
Over the reported period, on-campus housing and dining changed about 7.8% a year over the last three years. If current trends continue, incoming first-year students would pay about $21,910 in their first year.
At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $26,422 in year four — and a two-year student about $23,303 in the final year of a two-year (associate) degree.
Over a four-year stay, the projected room, board and living-cost total is about $96,439 over four years — compared with roughly $45,213 over a two-year associate program.
Room and board tends to rise year over year at most schools, so a freshman should expect to pay more by senior year.
Schools may offer meal plans where the number of meals per week can vary. This school offers meal plans based on the number of meals per week. See the table below to find out the number of meals per week in the maximum meal plan offered. The table below outlines what this school reports about on-campus housing.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 4,500 |
| Meals Per Week Included in Max Meal Plan | 19 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |