In fiscal year 2025, Northern Illinois University (NIU)'s Football program reported $5.7M in revenue and $13.3M in expenses, for a net deficit of $7.5M. The program generated $5.7M in total revenue, led by Guarantees at $2.1M. Among the 78 FBS programs reporting Football data, Northern Illinois University ranks 61st overall in total expenses (19th of 36 Group of Five programs) — below the FBS average of $36.5M. Northern Illinois University competes in the Mountain West; financial data is available from FY2012 through FY2025.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Guarantees | $2,050,395 |
| Indirect Institutional Support | $1,089,761 |
| Direct Institutional Support | $1,066,961 |
| Ticket Sales | $907,757 |
| Football Bowl Revenues | $350,000 |
| Contributions | $145,627 |
| Other Operating Revenue | $85,810 |
| Sports Camp Revenues | $18,146 |
| In-Kind | $10,455 |
| Athletics Restricted Endowment and Investments Income | $7,841 |
| Direct State or Other Government Support | $6,499 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic Student Aid | $2,953,023 |
| Support Staff/Administrative Compensation, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $2,149,731 |
| Coaching Salaries, Benefits and Bonuses paid by the University and Related Entities | $2,078,718 |
| Indirect Institutional Support | $1,089,761 |
| Football Bowl Expenses | $814,891 |
| Other Operating Expenses | $808,490 |
| Team Travel | $703,688 |
| Guarantees | $600,000 |
| Sports Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $384,593 |
| Medical Expenses and Insurance | $283,654 |
| Game Expenses | $273,201 |
| Fund Raising, Marketing and Promotion | $246,876 |
| Facilities Maintenance and Operations | $227,340 |
| Student-Athlete Meals (non-travel) | $220,988 |
| Football Bowl Expenses - Coaching Compensation/Bonuses | $173,274 |
| Recruiting | $165,942 |
| Memberships and Dues | $85,000 |
| Severance Payments | $7,749 |
| Sports Camp Expenses | $2,481 |
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $5,739,252 | $13,269,400 | -$7.5M |
| FY2024 | $3,649,014 | $11,578,200 | -$7.9M |
| FY2023 | $2,724,886 | $7,930,687 | -$5.2M |
| FY2022 | $2,525,186 | $8,153,654 | -$5.6M |
| FY2021 | $907,068 | $5,552,694 | -$4.6M |
| FY2020 | $2,758,052 | $7,358,508 | -$4.6M |
The football program generated $5.7 million in revenue in FY2025, with guarantees — payments received for playing road games against larger programs — accounting for the largest share at $2.1 million, highlighting the team's reliance on these buyout arrangements to fund operations. Against $13.3 million in expenses, headlined by $3.0 million in athletic student aid, the program ran a $7.5 million deficit, with total spending ranking 61st out of 78 FBS programs and well below the FBS average of $36.5 million. Expenses have risen sharply in recent years, nearly doubling from $7.9 million in FY2
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