About

About Northern Illinois University

public doctoral universityhigh research activitybusiness and nursing focusaccessible admissionsmidwest public university

Northern Illinois University is a public research university in Dekalb, IL, known for its public doctoral university, high research activity, and business and nursing focus. With an acceptance rate of 71%, NIU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,440 students each year. NIU is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. NIU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $13,050 per year; the sticker price of $29,478 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Northern Illinois University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

71%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northern Illinois University

Test Score Strategy
Since NIU is test optional and your score is below their typical range, focus your application on your GPA and activities rather than submitting a score that could work against you.
Demonstrated Interest
NIU values students who understand what the DeKalb campus offers, so if you visit or attend a virtual info session, reference a specific program, professor, or campus resource in your application materials to show genuine interest.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Northern Illinois University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$29k/yr$10.1k
30k-48k~$29k/yr$9.9k
48k-75k~$29k/yr$12.8k
75k-110k~$29k/yr$17.6k
110k+~$29k/yr$21.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

50%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$46k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
10,275
Undergrad Enrollment
Northern Illinois University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch