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    Northern Illinois University

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    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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    Overview

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    From NIU

    At NIU, you can trust that you’re making a smart investment in your future. We offer the support and resources you need to graduate with a respected degree that opens doors to endless career possibilities. Over one-third of our undergraduates earn their NIU degree without taking on any student loan debt.

    DeKalb, home to NIU’s 765-acre campus, offers a true college town experience with easy access to to the city of Chicago, its flourishing suburbs and the opportunities both have to offer. (Think internships, jobs, culture and more.)

    At NIU, you’re not just a face in a crowded lecture hall. We want our Huskies to live well and feel their best, and we provide a range of individualized resources to help you stay healthy, emotionally well and prepared to change the world like Huskies do.

    Visit our campus.
    Explore student life at NIU.
    We'll prepare you for a successful career.

    Events & Resources

    Campus Visits and Appointments

    We have plenty of visit options to meet your unique needs.

    You attend one of our Preview Days or come for a daily campus visit to learn more about NIU and tour our beautiful campus. You can also schedule a 1-1 campus appointment with an admissions counselor or tour campus anytime with our self-guided tour option.

    Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

    When you apply for admission as an incoming freshman, you'll automatically be considered for one of our renewable merit scholarships.

    Hear from our Huskie pack

    NIU gives students a unique learning experience that equips them with the skills and confidence to achieve their academic and professional goals. Experience the stories of students, professors and staff members in their own words.

    Northern Illinois University
    21 Suburb
    Suburban schools are a great option for students who want to take advantage of the amenities of the city while escaping the hustle and bustle. At a suburban school you’ll be within a stone’s throw of the city, but you will maintain a strong campus culture and remain grounded in your college’s community.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    Affordability Overview

    From NIU

    More than 90% of our undergraduates receive support paying for college. Our Student Financial Advising Services team can educate and advise you and your family members on financial aid, tuition and fees and general financial literacy.

    Tuition and Aid
    Out-of-state students pay our in-state rate

    $25,501

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $12,016

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $13,484

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown


    In-State
    Tuition
    $10,231
    Books & Supplies
    $1,200
    Room & Board
    $12,442
    Other
    $1,628

    In-State Estimated Cost:

    $25,501

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Out-of-State
    Tuition
    $10,230
    Books & Supplies
    $1,200
    Room & Board
    $12,442
    Other
    $1,628

    Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:

    $25,500

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Since NIU is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at NIU is $25,501 for in-state students in IL, and $25,500 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at NIU would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Northern Illinois University Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Northern Illinois University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.


    The FAFSA code for Northern Illinois University is 001737.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Using State Grants at NIU

    Illinois residents considering NIU should be sure to look into the MAP program. In-state students who demonstrate financial need can qualify for MAP grant money from the state as long as the program is on the list of approved colleges. The program can pay up to $8,400 per year towards your education. Approved schools include both public and private options.

    Pell Grants at Northern Illinois University

    57% of students at Northern Illinois University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Northern Illinois University.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    NIU students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:


    Admissions

    Admissions Overview

    From NIU

    We no longer consider ACT or SAT scores for general admission or merit scholarships.
    We’ll look at your high school GPA instead. Research shows that GPA is a better indicator of
    success in college. If you have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, you’re guaranteed general admission. Exceptions to this are our limited-admission programs such as nursing. If your GPA is below 3.0, we’ll get to know you through our holistic application review process — a flexible, personalized review of your application and circumstances. We know high school grades don’t always tell your whole story.

    Freshman Application Requirements
    Undergraduate Application Deadlines

    71%

    Admission Rate

    Is NIU test-optional?

    Northern Illinois University is test-blind, which means that it does not allow applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that they won’t consider these scores from any applicant. Decisions are based more heavily on grades, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.

    Rolling deadline at NIU

    Northern Illinois University accepts applications on a rolling basis. That means that the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of gaining admission and strong financial aid. Many schools with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, which means that students that submit their application before these dates have a better chance of receiving financial aid. Be sure to check NIU's website to become familiar with their admissions dates.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 14:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 53%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    20%

    20% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    16%

    16% of graduates

    Education

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Psychology

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Engineering

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Social Sciences

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Family & Consumer Sciences

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Liberal Arts & Humanities

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Engineering

    2%

    2% of graduates

    History

    2%

    2% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Mathematics

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Languages & Literatures

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 11,408

    Pell Grant 45%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 15%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 13%

    Percent Male / Female 47% / 53%

    Ethnic Diversity at NIU

    44% White

    24% Hispanic

    21% Black

    7% Asian / Pacific Islander

    3% Multiracial

    1% International / Non-Citizen

    1% Unknown

    Student Outcomes

    Student Outcomes Overview

    From NIU

    An NIU education prepares our graduates for successful careers. According to Forbes.com,
    the median annual earnings of 25-to-34-year-old workers with a bachelor’s degree is $59,600. NIU graduates with the same criteria have an average salary of $70,015, and 36% of NIU students graduate without taking any student loan debt.

    Explore the career potential for each of our majors.
    Gigantic Outcomes

    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $57,808

    Median Debt $22,162

    Debt 10 years after graduation $235

    Graduation Rate 53%

    What is the graduation rate at Northern Illinois University?

    53% of students who start at Northern Illinois University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 5% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Northern Illinois University go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Northern Illinois University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $57,808. This is $7,417 more than the national median.


    Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at NIU take out in loans?

    Graduates of NIU have to take out a median of $22,162 in federal student loans. This is $8,662 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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