HomeUniversitiesNorthern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Public UniversityUnited StatesWorld #301

Northern Illinois University

United States

Apply Now University Website

25,772/yr

Avg. tuition

40,862/yr

Living (Bachelors)

43,599/yr

Living (Masters)

46+programs

Courses

About

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois. Northern Illinois University was founded in 1895 and is one of the largest universities in the state. Northern Illinois University has over 25,000 students and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate of Northern Illinois University?

The acceptance rate of Northern Illinois University is 70%.

Northern Illinois University campus is located in DeKalb, which is a city of about 95,000 people. The campus is home to a variety of modern buildings, including the NIU Convocation Center, which is a 10,000-seat arena.

Northern Illinois University is a member of the Mid-American Conference and competes in Division I athletics. The Huskies are one of the most successful college football programs in the MAC, having won 10 conference championships.

Northern Illinois University's student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, and the average tuition fee for international students is $24,200. The acceptance rate for international students is 85%. Northern Illinois University is ranked #257 in the U.S. News & World Report's "National Universities" category, and it is also ranked #39 in the Forbes "America's Best Colleges" list.

Top Reasons to Study in the Northern Illinois University

  • Strong academic reputation: Northern Illinois University is a highly-ranked university with a strong focus on undergraduate education.

 

  • Vibrant campus life: Northern Illinois University has a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events.

 

  • Entrepreneurship: Northern Illinois University has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, and it offers a variety of programs and resources to help students start their businesses.

 

  • Commitment to research: Northern Illinois University is a major research university with over $50 million in annual research expenditures.

 

  • Beautiful campus: Northern Illinois University's campus is located in a beautiful setting on the shores of DeKalb Lake.

 

  • Strong alumni network: Northern Illinois University has a strong alumni network that can provide students with support and guidance after graduation.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

70%

Application Fee

$60

How to Apply at Northern Illinois University

Undergraduate

 

  • Visit the Northern Illinois University website and create an account. [Link]
  • Complete the online application.
  • Submit your high school transcript.
  • Submit your SAT or ACT scores.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a personal statement.
  • Pay the application fee. ($50)

 

Graduate

 

  • Visit the Northern Illinois University website and create an account. [Link]
  • Complete the online application.
  • Submit your official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  • Submit your GRE or GMAT scores (if required).
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a personal statement.
  • Pay the application fee. ($50)

Documents Required to Apply to Northern Illinois University

Undergraduate Admissions

To be considered for admission to Northern Illinois University as an undergraduate student, you must submit the following:

 

  • An application form
  • Official high school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee ($50)

 

Graduate Admissions

To be considered for admission to Northern Illinois University as a graduate student, you must submit the following:

 

  • An application form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  • GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee ($50)

 

Additional Requirements for International Students

International students who are applying to Northern Illinois University must also submit the following:

 

  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic)
  • Financial documentation
  • A letter of motivation

Exams Accepted By Northern Illinois University

English Proficiency Exams

 

  • TOEFL: 80 iBT or 610 PBT
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 52
  • Duolingo: 110
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced

 

GRE

 

  • Verbal Reasoning: 300
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 300
  • Analytical Writing: 3.0

 

GMAT

 

  • Verbal: 550
  • Quantitative: 550
  • Analytical Writing: 4.0

 

SAT

 

  • Reading and Writing: 1050
  • Math: 600

 

ACT

 

  • Composite: 22

 

Please note that these are just the minimum scores required for admission at Northern Illinois University. The actual scores required may vary depending on the program you are applying to. For more information, please visit the Northern Illinois University's website.

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Illinois

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

  • Bus: Northern Illinois University operates a bus system called the Huskie Bus. The bus system has 14 routes that serve the campus and surrounding areas. Bus fares are $1.25 for a single ride or $3.50 for a day pass.

 

  • Bike: DeKalb is a very bike-friendly city, and there are many bike lanes and trails throughout the city. The university also has a bike share program called Northern Illinois University Bikes. Northern Illinois University Bikes has over 200 bikes that students can rent for a fee.

 

  • Walk: The Northern Illinois University campus is relatively small, so it is easy to walk from one class to another. There are also many sidewalks and crosswalks in the area, so it is safe to walk.

 

  • Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in DeKalb for Northern Illinois University students. This is a convenient option for Northern Illinois University students if they need to get to a destination that is not served by public transportation.’

 

  • Car: If you need to drive, there are several parking garages on campus. Parking permits are required, and they can be purchased online or at the Northern Illinois University Transportation Services office.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic Advising: The Northern Illinois University Office of Academic Advising provides students with individual advising, group advising, and workshops on academic planning.

 

  • Career Services: The Northern Illinois University Career Services office helps students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques. They also have a job board and career fairs.

 

  • Financial Aid: The Northern Illinois University Financial Aid office helps students with applying for financial aid, understanding financial aid packages, and managing their finances.
  • Student Health Services: The Northern Illinois University Student Health Services office provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. They also have a pharmacy and a counselling centre.

 

  • Housing and Residential Life: The Northern Illinois University Housing and Residential Life office provides housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek houses. They also offer a variety of programs and activities for residents at Northern Illinois University.

 

  • Student Activities: The Northern Illinois University Student Activities office coordinates a variety of student activities, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events.

 

  • Athletics: Northern Illinois University is a member of the Mid-American Conference and competes in Division I athletics. The Huskies are one of the most successful college football programs in the MAC, having won 10 conference championships. Northern Illinois University also competes in a variety of other sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Student life at Northern Illinois University

  • Student population: Northern Illinois University has a student population of over 20,000 students. The student body is made up of students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

 

  • Volunteering: There are many opportunities to volunteer your time at Northern Illinois University. Northern Illinois University has several service-learning opportunities, and students can also volunteer with local organizations.

 

  • Percentage of international students: 8% of Northern Illinois University students are international students.

 

  • Number of student organizations: Northern Illinois University has over 300 student organizations. These organizations represent a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and political.

 

  • Intramural sports: Northern Illinois University offers over 40 intramural sports. These sports are a great way to stay active and meet new people.

 

  • Greek life: Northern Illinois University has 20 fraternities and sororities. Greek life is a great way to get involved on campus and make lifelong friends.

 

  • Student government: Northern Illinois University has a student government that is made up of students from all over campus. The student government at Northern Illinois University is responsible for representing student interests to the university administration.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:15

University Faculty Stats

  • Number of faculty members: Northern Illinois University has over 1,500 faculty members, making it a large and diverse faculty.

 

  • Faculty diversity:  Northern Illinois University's faculty is highly diverse, with over 40% of faculty members being women and over 20% of faculty members being members of underrepresented minority groups.

 

  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, which means that there are approximately 18 students for every faculty member.

 

  • Professional development opportunities: Northern Illinois University offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for faculty members, including workshops, conferences, and online courses.

 

  • Research: Northern Illinois University is a research university, and its faculty members are actively engaged in research.  Northern Illinois University faculty members have published over 10,000 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and they have received over $100 million in research funding.

Career Opportunities

University Endowments Value

89700000

Placement of Northern Illinois University

According to the Northern Illinois University Career Services website, the university's six-month post-graduation job placement rate is 75%. This means that 75% of Northern Illinois University graduates have a job within six months of graduating.

 

The top hiring companies for Northern Illinois University graduates include:

 

  • Government: The government is a major employer of Northern Illinois University graduates. Government jobs are available at the federal, state, and local levels. Some of the government agencies that hire Northern Illinois University graduates include the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department.

 

  • Education: The education sector is another major employer of Northern Illinois University graduates. Education jobs are available in public schools, private schools, colleges, and universities. Some of the schools that hire Northern Illinois University graduates include Northern Illinois University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Western Illinois University.

 

  • Business: The business sector is also a significant employer of Northern Illinois University graduates. Business jobs are available in various industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare. Some of the businesses that hire Northern Illinois University graduates include Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and State Farm Insurance.

 

The average starting salary for Northern Illinois University graduates is $40,000. However, salaries vary depending on the field of study and the employer.

Popular Courses · 46

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average living expenses for masters at the Northern Illinois University?
The average living expenses for masters at the Northern Illinois University is USD 43599.
What is the student faculty ratio at the Northern Illinois University?
The student faculty ratio at the Northern Illinois University is 1:15
How many campuses does Northern Illinois University have ?
Northern Illinois University has 1 campuses. All of them have amazing residence halls, student centers, civic spaces, cultural spaces, music halls, transportation facilities, etc.
What is the global ranking of Northern Illinois University?
The global ranking of Northern Illinois University is: 1. US World and News Report: 801-1000 2. Times Higher Education The World University Rankings: 301
What factors should be considered when choosing the Northern Illinois University
When choosing the Northern Illinois University for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Ashiraj 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at Northern Illinois University 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does Northern Illinois University provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at Northern Illinois University by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the Northern Illinois University website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the Northern Illinois University a good university?
Yes. Established in 1895, Northern Illinois University is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at Northern Illinois University include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at Northern Illinois University?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at Northern Illinois University are: 1. Computer Science in Northern Illinois University 2. Management Information Systems in Northern Illinois University 3. Industrial and Systems Engineering in Northern Illinois University 4. Mechanical Engineering in Northern Illinois University 5. Electrical Engineering in Northern Illinois University 6. Industrial & System Engineering - (Thesis Option) in Northern Illinois University 7. Business Administration (Global) in Northern Illinois University 8. School Business Management in Northern Illinois University 9. Statistics in Northern Illinois University 10. Integrated Systems Engineering in Northern Illinois University
What is the Northern Illinois University GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for Northern Illinois University will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official Northern Illinois University’s website to know more

Last updated August 14, 2026

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Northern Illinois University: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at NIU