Your chances of getting into Northern Illinois University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Northern Illinois is 70.7%. Its admission rate is the 27th lowest in Illinois.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Northern Illinois and can you get accepted?
Northern Illinois is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 18,348 out of the 25,961 who applied were admitted.
Northern Illinois University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.3. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 13% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Northern Illinois?
71% 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.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Northern Illinois University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.3 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1060 on the SAT
- Score 22 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
Northern Illinois GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Northern Illinois University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Northern Illinois are to have around a 3.3 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Northern Illinois accepts 71% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Northern Illinois is 3.3 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #39 in Illinois for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Northern Illinois 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 3.3 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.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Northern Illinois SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by Northern Illinois University. The school has a test blind policy.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 470 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 470 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 940 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 590 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 580 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1170 |
| Average SAT Score | 1060
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Northern Illinois University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Northern Illinois is 1060 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 940-1170. Students who get into Northern Illinois University score in the top 71 percent of all SAT test takers.. Northern Illinois ranks #30 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1060 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Northern Illinois regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 940 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 940, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 820, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Northern 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 considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1060 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance 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 1055, you have around a 71% chance of being admitted. A 1170 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 82% chance of getting in.
Northern Illinois ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 18 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 17 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 19 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Average ACT Score | 22
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Northern Illinois?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Northern Illinois is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 25. The school ranks #32 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.
30 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Northern Illinois University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Northern Illinois University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Northern Illinois for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 71% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 82% with a 25 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
72% of Northern Illinois University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 36% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 14% |
| Top 25% of class | 36% |
| Top 50% of class | 72% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 15,040 | 10,906 | 25,961 |
| Accepted | 10,971 | 7,367 | 18,348 |
| Acceptance Rate | 73% | 68% | 71% |
| Enrolled | 1,295 | 1,145 | 2,440 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 12% | 16% | 13% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 219 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Northern Illinois University is $0. The school is free to apply to.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Northern Illinois University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Required to be considered for admission |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Northern Illinois is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.3 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1060 on the SAT and 22 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Northern Illinois University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147703 IPEDS survey data for Northern Illinois University.
Last updated February 24, 2024