Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
Northern Illinois University (NIU), located in DeKalb, Illinois, approximately 65 miles west of Chicago, is a public research institution established in 1895. Known for its diverse and expansive campus, NIU offers a wide range of academic programs, with notable emphasis on business, engineering, and education, among others. The university provides on-campus housing options accommodating a significant portion of the student body in residence halls and apartment complexes. NIU's academic environment is moderately selective, appealing to a broad spectrum of students seeking both undergraduate and graduate degrees. While the university itself boasts a range of student organizations and activities, it is particularly recognized for its contributions to research and public service. The institution supports a variety of athletic programs and is a member of the Mid-American Conference, with their sports teams known as the Huskies.
In the most recent statistical year 25,961 prospective students applied, and 18,348 were granted admission. Of those admitted 2,440 enrolled in the school. 11,908 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 3,741 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,790 plus fees of $2,872. Northern Illinois is ranked 454 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Northern Illinois is rated within the top 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Northern Illinois University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#454 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#136 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#20 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Illinois
#191 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#16 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 940/1170 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.3 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Other Fees | $2,872 |
| Room and Board | $11,420 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,440 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,822 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| Health Professions | 15% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Education | 9% |
| Communication | 9% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Northern Illinois University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147703 IPEDS survey data for Northern Illinois University.
Current students may use the Northern Illinois University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024