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#9 Best Public Universities in Illinois

Northeastern Illinois University Admission Requirements

Chicago, Illinois

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Your chances of getting into Northeastern Illinois University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

62.7%
Admission Difficulty for Northeastern Illinois University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Extremely Easy 
Applicant Competition Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Northeastern Illinois University is 62.7%.  Its admission rate is the 19th lowest in Illinois.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Northeastern Illinois University and can you get accepted?

Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 2,886 out of the 4,603 who applied were admitted.

Northeastern Illinois University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.1. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Northeastern Illinois University?

63% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Northeastern Illinois University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.1 or better
  • Earn B grades in high school
  • Score 910 on the SAT
  • Score 18 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Northeastern Illinois University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.1

Typical High School Grades 

B

What GPA do you need to get into Northeastern Illinois University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Northeastern Illinois University are to have around a 3.1 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Northeastern Illinois University accepts 63% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Northeastern Illinois University is 3.1 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #54 in Illinois for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Northeastern Illinois University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.1 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Northeastern Illinois University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 6.21% Good
3.75 to 3.99 8.08% Good
3.50 to 3.74 8.08% Good
3.25 to 3.49 12.42% Avg +
3.00 to 3.24 19.57% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 41.62% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 3.11% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.93% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Northeastern Illinois University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Northeastern Illinois University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 83% of students submitted SAT scores and 21% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

810-1010

Applicants Submitting SAT 

83%
SAT Scores for Northeastern Illinois University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 400
Math 25th Percentile 410
Composite 25th Percentile 810
SAT Scores for Northeastern Illinois University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 500
Math 75th Percentile 510
Composite 75th Percentile 1010
Average SAT Score 910

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Northeastern Illinois University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Northeastern Illinois University is 910 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 810-1010. Students who get into Northeastern Illinois University score in the top 89 percent of all SAT test takers..  Northeastern Illinois University ranks #50 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 910 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Northeastern Illinois University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 810 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 810, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 710, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Northeastern Illinois University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 910 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 910, you have around a 63% chance of being admitted. A 1010 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 76% chance of getting in.

Northeastern Illinois University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1010 and Above Good >76%
910 to 1010 Avg + 63%-76%
810 to 910 Avg - 47%-63%
710 to 810 Reach 32%-47%
Less than 710 Low <32%
Calculate My Chances 

Northeastern Illinois University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

15-21 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

21%
ACT Scores for Northeastern Illinois University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 15
Math 25th Percentile 15
Composite 25th Percentile 15
ACT Scores for Northeastern Illinois University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 20
Math 75th Percentile 19
Composite 75th Percentile 21
Average ACT Score 18

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Northeastern Illinois University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Northeastern Illinois University is 18, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 15 and 21.  The school ranks #44 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 18. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 15 and score in the score in the top 81 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 12.

21 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Northeastern Illinois University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Northeastern Illinois University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Northeastern Illinois University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 18 score has around 63% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 76% with a 21 ACT score.

Northeastern Illinois University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
21 and Above Good >76%
18 to 21 Avg + 63%-76%
15 to 18 Avg - 47%-63%
12 to 15 Reach 32%-47%
Less than 12 Low <32%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

53% of Northeastern Illinois University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 17% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Northeastern Illinois University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 2.54%
Top 25% of class 17.26%
Top 50% of class 53%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Northeastern Illinois University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 2,471 1,985 4,603
Accepted 1,663 1,127 2,886
Acceptance Rate 67% 57% 63%
Enrolled 291 225 516
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 17% 20% 18%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jul 15, 2025

Days left to Apply

202

Applicants have 202 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Jul 15, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Northeastern Illinois University is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Northeastern Illinois University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Northeastern Illinois University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Northeastern Illinois University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Northeastern Illinois University is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.1 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 910 on the SAT and 18 on the ACT will further lock in your application.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Northeastern Illinois University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147776 IPEDS survey data for Northeastern Illinois University.

Last updated February 24, 2024