Northern Illinois University, (NIU) Dekalb, Illinois

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1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Estd 1895

Updated on - Feb 03rd, 2022 | 09:32 PM By Sathish

Overview Content

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a world-class, research-focused public institution. It is one of only three public universities in the state to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the highest levels of all sports, Division I. The main campus of Northern Illinois University is spread across 800 acres and is located in DeKalb, Illinois. NIU has academic centers across northern Illinois, the Chicago area, and online. 

When was the Northern Illinois University Established?

Northern Illinois University was established in 1895 as a public research university.

Where is Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University is located in DeKalb, Illinois. The different campuses of NIU are DeKalb, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford.

Northern Illinois University Accreditation

Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HCL).

Education at Northern Illinois University 

NIU offers 130 undergraduate, 87 graduate, and 7 pre-professional programs in over 35 specializations to 16,500+ students including 921 international students from 103 different countries around the world. The courses are offered through 7 degree-granting colleges and 39 academic departments under Northern Illinois University. 

Northern Illinois University Highlights 

Northern Illinois University is a public research university, producing the best class education for undergraduate, graduate, and law courses with proficient teachers. It grants 130 undergraduate and 87 graduate courses. NIU comprises cultural diversity and thrives for the advantage of students. Here are some highlights of Northern Illinois University: 

University Type

Public Research University

Acceptance Rate

59%

Student Retention Rate

73%

Intake Sessions

Fall, Summer, & Spring

Student-Teacher Ratio 

13:1

Why Choose Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University is one of the best public universities in Illinois providing extensive research facilities and high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses to students all over the world. It is one of the best options for higher education for international students based on its diverse ethnic student community and world-class teaching faculty. Given below are some highlights of NIU that can help the students make the right choice for their higher studies in the US:

  • NIU offers 100+ undergraduate and nearly 90 graduate programs in various disciplines such as engineering, management, business, etc.
  • It provides Study Abroad options in more than 75 countries to the enrolled students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. 
  • The Student: Faculty Ratio is 15:1 ensures accessibility to teaching faculty.
  • 50% of the graduating classes are transfer students
  • NIU has 300+ student organizations registered with the Student Government Association conducting different activities such as fraternity and sororities, honorary societies, recreational and sports, etc.
  • The total Faculty/ Staff at NIU is 3,291
  • Over 230,000+ alumni students are proud to be a part of colleges and schools under NIU.

Schools/ Colleges at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University offers 130 undergraduate, 87 graduate, and 7 pre-professional programs in over 35 specializations. The courses in business, engineering, nursing, etc are nationally accredited for meeting the highest standards of academic quality. The courses are offered through the academic divisions that form an integral part of NIU. All the colleges under Northern Illinois University are listed below:

  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
  • College of Health and Human Sciences
  • College of Law
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts

Academic Departments at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University provides a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in addition to many postgraduate certificate programs in various fields of study such as nursing, engineering, management, etc. The courses are offered through the different academic departments that are a part of the schools and colleges under NIU. Some of the major academic departments of NIU are given below:

Computer Science

Political Science

Technology

Economics

Psychology

Finance

Health Studies

Art and Design

Management

Nursing

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Mathematical Sciences

Financial Aid and Scholarship at NIU

International students at NIU are eligible for either merit or housing scholarship and are available for freshman and transfer students. Both scholarships are renewable. The scholarship details for international students at NIU are given below:

  • Merit Scholarship: The merit scholarship is valued at $5,000 to $9,000 per academic year. It is awarded to students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25/4.0. 
  • Housing Scholarship: The housing scholarship award is valued at $3,600 per year. It is awarded to students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75/4.0. 

Student Space and Services at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University offers a range of support and services to the students to help in their professional and personal growth. The support and services are provided to ensure that the students have an enriching college experience both on and off-campus. Some of the amenities offered at NIU include:

  • Housing and Residential Services
  • Meal Plans and Campus Dining Services
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships
  • Career Services
  • Health Services
  • University Libraries
  • Bookstore
  • Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS)
  • Huskie Athletics
  • Recreation and Wellness
  • Sports Club
  • Counseling and Consultation Services
  • Disability Resource Centre

University Stats

Student Population at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs to both domestic and international students from 103 different countries around the world. The detailed student enrollment at NIU is given below:

Total Student Enrollment

16,609

Undergraduate Students

12,131

Graduate Students

4,204

Law Students

274

International Students

923

Alumni Candidates

230,000+

Northern Illinois University Rankings

Northern Illinois University is one of the top-ranked universities in the US for its education and facilities provided to the enrolled students. It has been ranked at the top by many national and international ranking agencies over the years. Some of the rankings awarded to NIU are listed below:

  • The engineering programs at NIU are ranked #38 nationally by the US News University Rankings 2020
  • NIU College of Business is ranked #80 nationally by Poets&Quants.
  • Ranked #200 for Social Mobility by US News.
  • Ranked #293-381 in the US by US News University Rankings 2020.
  • Named as a "National University" by U.S. News & World Report.
  • The Public Affairs programs at NIU are ranked #41 in the nation.
  • NIU ranked #621 on a list of 650 universities in 2019 by Forbes magazine.

Read More: Northern Illinois University Rankings

Student-Faculty Ratio

13:1

International Students

923

Total Enrolment

16,609


Admission Details

How can I get into Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University accepts international admissions in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The average GPA range is 2.5-3 or above for international students. Some additional admission requirements for international students at NIU are given below:

  • Official academic transcripts 
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75 for graduate applicants
  • ACT and SAT scores
  • GMAT/ GRE scores
  • English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport copy
  • Supporting documents such as a Letter of Recommendation, Resume, Statement of Purpose, Portfolio (for graduate applicants)

Acceptance Rate

Minimum Score
TOEFL Requirements

Min. 80


Minimum Score
IELTS Requirements

Min. 6.5


Application Website


Accepts Direct Application

yes


Accepts Common Application

No


Total Applications

14,641


Average Tuition Fees

International students are required to pay the non-resident out-of-state tuition rates for both undergraduate and graduate courses. The Northern Illinois University tuition fees for international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are given below:

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

  • Tuition Fee for Non-engineering & Non-computer Science (B.S.) degrees: $9,465.60 per term
  • Tuition Fee for Engineering: $10,065.60 per term
  • Tuition Fee for Computer Science (B.S.): $9,945.60 per term

Graduate Tuition Fees

  • The tuition fee for law students is $1,589.04 per hour for up to 12 credit hours.
  • The average tuition fee for other graduate courses is $14,265 per year.
Degree Type Tuition Fees
Diploma -
Undergraduate $28,395
Post Graduate $14,265

Application Details

Northern Illinois University accepts international undergraduate and graduate applications through the respective NIU admission portals. Undergraduate students are required to pay an application fee of $40 and graduate students are required to pay $60 as application fees. The application deadline varies for the different graduate courses. The Northern Illinois University application deadline for the undergraduate courses are:

  • Fall Semester: August 1, 2022
  • Spring Semester: December 1, 2022
  • Summer Semester: May 15, 2022
Events Dates
Application Deadline
2022-11-01

Other Fees

What is the Annual Average Cost to Attend NIU?

International students are required to bear the living expenses in addition to tuition fees for the duration of the course. Given below are the estimated living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate international students at NIU:

  • Undergraduate Tuition Fee: $28,395
  • Graduate Tuition Fee: $14,265
  • Room and Board: $10,880
  • Travel Charges: $600
  • Books and Supplies: $1,300
  • Personal Expenses: $1,790
Average Annual Tuition Fees
$28,395
Average Accommodation
$10,880
Application Fees
$40

Courses Fees

Northern Illinois University offers 100+ undergraduate and 69 graduate programs in different areas of study such as engineering, business, nursing, management, etc. The courses and programs are offered through the 7 degree-granting colleges and 39 academic departments under NIU. The course fee details of some of the popular courses offered at NIU are shown below:

Master Courses:

Bachelor Courses:

Certificate Courses:

Master of Science [M.Sc]

Course Fees: $5953 - $37581


Bachelor of Science [B.Sc]

Course Fees: $19891 - $29835


Certificate in Business Analytics (SAS Software)

Course Fees: $6279


Bachelor of Arts [B.A]

Course Fees: $28395


Master of Arts [M.A]

Course Fees: $5953 - $14265


View All Courses


Contact Information

For admissions, one can contact 815-753-0446 or 800-892-3050. You can also drop a mail to admissions@niu.edu or gradsch@niu.edu for undergraduate and graduate admissions respectively. The other contact information of Northern Illinois University is given below:

DeKalb, Illinois

Location

815-753-6000

Contact No

800-892-3050

Toll-Free No

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