About

University Type

Public

University Type

US News National rank

269

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$43,599

Average Living Expenses

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.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Northern Illinois University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$40,862

Average living expenses (Masters)

$43,599

Admissions at The Northern Illinois University

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.


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Rankings for The Northern Illinois University

US News Ranking

#269

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#601-800

The World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

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Students Northern Illinois University

945

Yocketers applied

832

Yocketers admitted

2,565

Yocketers interested


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International Students

% of international students in the university

4.58

Total International Students in the university

966


Alumni at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University has a distinguished alumni body, including:

 

  • Mike Ditka: Former professional football player and coach
  • Chris Chelios: Former professional hockey player
  • Jim Belushi: Actor and comedian
  • Dana Perino: Former White House Press Secretary
  • Brendan Fraser: Actor

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Related Discussion for the Universities

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Asritha Konde
Asritha Konde

8 months ago

Finding roommates for NIU.
Hi guys, I am a fall 2024 student who opted NIU for masters in computer science. Please let me know if any one opted NIU and are searching for roommates like me.
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Asritha Konde
Asritha Konde

9 months ago

Any NIU here
Hi guys, If any one heading to NIU. I am also heading for NIU 😊
LikeCount 1 Like
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Ramya Siliveri
Ramya Siliveri

10 months ago

I have applied to NIU in the month of December for fall 2024 intake, I haven’t received the admit yet, any suggestions?
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Shiby Gabrial
Shiby Gabrial

a year ago

Accommodation for female
#niu #dekalb 4 bed2Bath House at Stadium View 2. 5 mins away from the campus. Looking for *1 female roommate* to share the housing unit. Rent $1200. Private rooms and one shared bath. If interested D...
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Shiby Gabrial
Shiby Gabrial

a year ago

Looking for roommates
4Bed 2Bath House at Stadium View 2 Dekalb IL( Northern Illinois University). Looking for *2 female roommates* to share the housing unit. Rent $1100. For *one person it’s $275 but including all utiliti...
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LikeCount 1 Like
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Reviews for Northern Illinois University

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.

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