Northern Illinois University

6/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Dekalb, IL
3.2 5 reviews

#4 Best Public Universities in Illinois

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

15,414

Location Dekalb, Illinois
Website niu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small Suburban

Best Colleges Rank

#498

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is located in DeKalb, Illinois, approximately 65 miles west of Chicago in a mid-sized suburban setting. Established in 1895 as a teachers college, NIU has evolved into a comprehensive public research institution spread across a 756-acre main campus characterized by its mix of modern and traditional collegiate architecture. The university is recognized for its programs in business, engineering, education, and nursing, while its College of Visual and Performing Arts maintains a strong regional presence. NIU operates as a primarily residential campus with multiple housing options for students, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living communities. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Huskies in the Mid-American Conference, with football and basketball serving as prominent sports programs.

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Ratings

Northern Illinois is rated within the top 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

Overall Rating

6 out of 10
Academics

5 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

6 out of 10
Value

8 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Northern Illinois University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Easy

GPA 3.3

Acceptance Rate

69.8%

Applications Due Aug 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 12.1%
Application Fee $0

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$13,248

Costs for Northern Illinois University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$13,248
Books and Supplies		$1,200
Other Fees		$3,018
Room and Board		$14,160
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,422
Total One Year Cost		$34,048

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,600 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

56% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Northern Illinois University are Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences. 18% of students major in Business, 15% in Health Professions, and 11% in Social Sciences.