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.
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.
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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.
$25,501
$12,016
$13,484
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$25,501for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$25,500for 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.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Illinois scholarships
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.
71%
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
14:1
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
Student Body
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.
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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Northern Illinois University
