Founded in 1895, Northern Illinois University. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 14,079 full time undergraduate students, and 4,936 full time graduate students.
The Northern Illinois University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 824 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Northern Illinois University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
51%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
900-1120
ACT Range
19-25
Admissions at NIU are considered Selective, with ,75% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 12 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
70% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 33% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Northern Illinois University.
1%
“We”re apathetic”
24%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
7%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
4%
“I”m always terrified”
22%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
30%
“I feel extremely safe”
18%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
30%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
24%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
16%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
45%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
78%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
24%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
33%
“We only party on weekends”
36%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
13%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
48%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
24%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
7%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
52%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
4%
“I”m always terrified”
22%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
30%
“I feel extremely safe”
18%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
30%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
24%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
16%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
45%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
78%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
213 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
173 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
228 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
242 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
243 Students rated class size 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
241 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
240 Students rated local services 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
243 Students rated academics 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
Northern Illinois University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Northern Illinois University?
88 Students rated Northern Illinois University
Julian - 03/21/2023
Northern Illinois University is a opportunity that welcomes all backgrounds, and will support you on your journey. I'm attending NIU as a transfer student with the pursuit of an Art History degree; I've never felt more confident on my journey since my being accepted.
Skylee - 01/18/2023
So far, I love where I am and I like the school. It feels like it is where I am meant to be right now. This has what I need for my career and the teachers and staff can help me with most things and are usually very understanding. I like where I am right now.
Caniya - 12/20/2022
The overall experience at Northern will be exactly what you make it. If you are very social this will be fairly easy for you. In my personal experience I am involved on campus, but I do tend to stay to myself. My reason being the fact that most students already have their affiliations. The best part about attending NIU is the advising department. If I did not have my advisor I would literally be nothing.
Jeovanny - 12/15/2022
my opinion on northern Illinois, it seems like an excellent school and overall very well spoken about. the campus was great, and the classes were great but the only thing I do know I really like is the rooms. the rooms weren't the best, maybe a little bigger but I will probably live off campus. but the environment is pretty good so far
Maria - 12/13/2022
Northern Illinois University is a great choice for me. Their art program is one of the best in the state and I also have the opportunity to pursue English as my minor. Because I commute, I don't know much about the overall campus life however my classes were perfect this semester. I am unsure if I will be staying at NIU but if I do it will be because of its affordability. The diversity at NIU is great as well. I believe I will graduate easily if I continue my path at NIU.
Myracle - 11/09/2021
Northern Illinois University is a home away from home. The staff and students are very welcoming and helpful to its students and want them to enjoy their time on campus. The students have access to extracurricular activities in the rec center, free tutoring, and bus services that provide transportation around campus. Students have the opportunity to start their own organizations on campus and also participate in shows and competitions. Students who like to exercise and play sports can spend their leisure time in the rec center to go to the campus gym, take a yoga class, join the soccer club or might try out for the volleyball and gymnastics team. On NIU campus there is never a boring moment.
In my opinion NIU is a family-oriented school. Students often host study groups with each other in the Holmes Student Center. Some students also might go out to pledge a fraternity or Sorority. As a student, sometimes there are times when you get depressed and discouraged, which is why the NIU campus has a group of staff to provide therapy and counseling for students who are dealing with mental health issues for free. There is a police station close by on campus to provide safety for near by students and staff members in the area. Niu provides help for those who have dealt with domestic violence, and other traumatic situations. Niu is a great place for students to get quality education, make memories and still feel like there are at home even if they are miles away from where they came.
Arin - 06/16/2020
I really love the campus and the overall beauty in the nature around. I really love the community i have with my peers, many classmates are friendly and are willing to help with any questions I can muster up. The professors responded in a timely manor and was helpful even if they couldn't answer my questions, they assisted as much as they could.
Jamir - 06/10/2020
I am an incoming freshman but from the visits and talks from the counselors, I think I will love it at Northern Illinois . My opinion on Northern was that it’s a great school and it has a great business and Marketing Program. It was my number one choice when I got to high school and now I will be attending there in the fall.
Alyssa - 02/08/2020
Northern Illinois University was a nice school to visit. I plan on going there in the fall of 2020 and study political science. When I went for a college visit, it was really nice and the people were very welcoming which is why I knew that NIU was the place for me. I am truly excited about going there in the fall.
Caleb - 02/02/2020
I really like it here and I've found a home at this school. I'm really glad I applied and I'm enjoying the life I've made since I enrolled. I've met so many new people through the living learning community I'm in, through my job at the recreation center and through my music classes. Everyone here is so accepting and supportive and I would definitely recommend this school to others because it's a great campus with great opportunities, students, and staff.
Alejandra - 01/08/2020
I felt at home at the school. The opportunities allowed there were inspiring. There were many shops in the areas. There was a lot of opportunity for people undecided. The chance program was amazing to give rejected people another chance. The community there was very compatible. They gave groups for Latinos and Black people
Bria - 12/21/2019
It’s a good school but could stand a few improvements. For one the dinning hall food is awful and the menu needs a complete revamp. They also need better hours because they close around 8pm and on weekends and I work till 9pm most days so I spent a good portion of money on fast food due to crappy unavailable dining hall food. On top of that we still have to pay for a meal plan even if we never use the dining hall so I’m essentially buying food 3x. Once from the meal plan, 2nd from fast food restaurants and third from whatever little snacks I can fit in my mini fridge shared by my other roommate. Also they should have a better variety of restaurants around campus because eating the same thing is annoying.
Connor - 11/22/2019
The overall feel of the university is good. I enjoy that it is far enough away from home that I don't feel like I'm too far away. My professors are easy to talk to and also keep office hours if you need help for some reason.
Natalie - 11/14/2019
I think that Northern Illinois University is a great school. I may be just a visitor now, but I cannot wait to become a student next fall. I know I am looking forward to furthering my education and all the experiences that come with attending college. Northern Illinois University seemed like the best school for me with all the reviews I have read about and the people I have talked to that already attend. I have attended their D1 hockey games and I am nothing less than impressed with the level of energy the players as well as the students bring to the rink. I have also had the privilege to spend a couple of weekends in a dorm room. The buildings and rooms are nice, they don't have dorm rooms where you have no space to move around. Northern Illinois University has by far exceeded my expectations and makes me excited for college.
Nyah - 10/03/2019
I feel like NIU is a very diverse campus, and that is something that I was looking for when I was picking my college. I also like how there are tons of things to do to get involved, and by getting involved it allows students to get to know more about their campus, and the people on it. I am really glad that I chose to go here and I wouldn't pick another school.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Northern Illinois University is 51%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I have learned a lot of things about myself from my college experience. I learned that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I have gotten leadership skills. I became more outgoing and social. I was a shy person before but now I am the one who asks more questions in class and I am involved in a few activites on campus. I also learned to rely on myself and not on my parents since I live on campus. I am confident in myself and my abilities.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
I think that the worst thing about my school is trying to get into many of the required classes. There are often only one or two of each class offered and it is difficult to get those spaces.
Anyone can attend this school and be successful as long as they are not lazy and have the desire to do well. there is truly something for everyone as long as they are disciplined.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I had known that this is a "backpack" school; meaning most students go home on the weekends. It is important that if you plan on staying on campus during the weekends that you find a group to get involved with, otherwise the only options for fun are the bars.
Northern Illinois University is known for the value of its Law School. Its outstanding value in other academic areas, and the closeness of the community between the faculty and the students. Another thing is that NIU student stick together.
Like any other college, NIU has its problems. The biggest ones that stand out to me are the scams, recreation center, student employment, and campus safety. With all of the problems affecting every student, there is still a high amount of pride among fellow huskies. I personally hated my first semester here but after meeting new people I ended up loving it. The students are what make this school and you have to be social to truly enjoy attending NIU.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
There is a stereotype that Northern Illinois is the "Dirty D" and you have to watch your back on campus. This is false. There are incidences that the media covers but what they don't emphasize on is that they are incidences with people that know each other, and 9 times out of ten they are not even students of NIU. Im a white 21 year old female and I see DeKalb as my home. I am comfortable here and don't ever feel unsafe on campus.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
NIU does a great job at keeping many activities available to students. Every week an email goes out to all students informing them of that weeks events including their times and location. Greek life is a big thing with younger students but older students tend to avoid it. Generally partying is on the weekends although it is not uncome for weekday parties to occur. Dating has taken a step in the new age on a site known as collegejunkee.com.
During my two years here, I have only had one professor that I had problems with. Every other professor I had has been amazing and truly what any student would look for in a college professor. ;
I have had quite a few memorable professors in my two years here. Only one has had a negative impact on my experience with the professors but the good ones easily make up for that. Many take the time to get to know your name and will go out of their way to help you.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
You can't take on persons opinion on this matter and it is best to come for a visit (non tour) and find out for yourself.
But for the most part I would say its true.
The food on and around campus that are not part of NIU's dining plan are good for the most part. Wide variety, decent prices and good hours. As for dining, it is always good to remember "if you dont use it, you lose it". By this I mean if you do not spend your weekly amount on your food plan, the money will just be taken from you anyways. The best dining food is at stevenson which can be a long walk if you live at neptune which is the worst dorm when it comes to food. The other dorms fall right in between for their dining options.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
96% of students attending Northern Illinois University receive some sort of financial aid.
48% were awarded federal grants.70%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
