Northern Illinois University
Computer Science
Field of study · Dekalb, Illinois, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Dekalb
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Home Tuition
US$11,010 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Computer Science at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Computer science graduates enter careers as software engineers, data scientists, product managers and systems architects at technology companies, financial services firms and consultancies. Typical employers include major tech companies, investment banks, AI startups and public sector digital teams.
Student life (indicative)
Dekalb offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
11,301
Staff Ratio
15.0:1
International
1.8%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
49%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Suburban
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Computer Science
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Computer Science topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Computer Science
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
11,301
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
15:1
Students per staff
International Students
2%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Suburban
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Dekalb offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
- Dekalb offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene.
- A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
49%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Computer science graduates enter careers as software engineers, data scientists, product managers and systems architects at technology companies, financial services firms and consultancies. Typical employers include major tech companies, investment banks, AI startups and public sector digital teams.
- Computer science graduates enter careers as software engineers, data scientists, product managers and systems architects at technology companies, financial services firms and consultancies.
- Typical employers include major tech companies, investment banks, AI startups and public sector digital teams.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,855/month (housing $1,050, food $430, transport $120). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,855/month (housing $1,050, food $430, transport $120).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.