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    Northern Illinois University, DeKalb

    Illinois, United States of America | Estd in 1957 | Government University

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    About Northern Illinois University

    Northern Illinois University is a public institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, US. The established year of Northern Illinois University is 1957, it has since been offering more than 150 programmes in undergraduate, master's, and certificate courses.

    Northern Illinois University's acceptance rate is around 70%, accepting students with preferable grade scores and fulfilling eligibility criteria. To get admission to Northern Illinois University, the applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a minimum of 77 to 79% of average in high school or a good average in Super score SAT/ACT. All applicants seeking admission must apply before the deadline of May 1 which may vary depending upon their Intake season. 

    Northern Illinois University's Latest Updates

    The application dates for admissions might vary according to the intake a candidate is applying for in the year.

    • International students planning to apply for Fall intake must apply by May 1, and submit most of their documents on time.

    • Applicants planning to apply for the Spring intake must submit their application by October 1, ensuring that most documents are submitted on a priority basis. 

    Northern Illinois University’s rankings as per the 2024 QS rankings include 201-250th in the US, which places it among the top 250 universities in the United States. The Times Higher Education Report has ranked NIU 601–800th in the World University Rankings 2024.

    Northern Illinois University offers a variety of courses that students can enrol in like  Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Nutrition, Accounting, Anthropology, Physical Education, Biology, Psychology, Economics, Mathematics, and Sociology. The ratio between them and students remains 14:1, with the average class strength retaining around 15 students per class.

    Northern Illinois University also has entrance exam criteria in terms of English Language Proficiency hence, aspiring international students must submit proof of the same by attempting IELTS, or TOEFL Tests.

    The Northern Illinois University fees for Indian students range between approx. USD 16,000 to USD 20,000 per academic term for International or Indian students. The given data might fluctuate depending upon the intake session and programme as per the applicant’s choice. The cost will also be subject to change as per the living cost expenses of international students in the US. 

    Northern Illinois University's application fee is USD 60 (Rs. 4,978.51) i.e. they will be charging an amount during the application process for all international students. The application processing time can take up to 3 to 4 months and the shortlisted candidate will be informed and reached out to by the admission team of the College. Therefore, the candidate must apply before the given time to secure a spot before the semester starts. 

    As per the admission enrollment reports of the previous years, Northern Illinois University has had more than 15,000 students under its wings, with a growing population of approx. 1,000 international candidates from 70 different countries in the past few years. 

    Northern Illinois University has one main campus of approximately 756 acres consisting of various faculties for different fields and departmental studies. The colleges or schools that are a part of the university are the College of Engineering and Technology, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Education, College of Business, College of Law, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College for Visual and Performings Arts. 

    Northern Illinois University Notable Alumni

    Some of the most notable alumni who have graduated from Northern Illinois University are working in high positions at prestigious and well-known organisations or have become entrepreneurs for global companies. The list for the same has been provided below for the most notable alumni of Northern Illinois University.

    Personalities

    Profession

    Joan Allen

    Actress 

    Steve Harris

    Actor 

    Nicole Mitchell

    Musician and Composer

    Bob Wood

    Former NBA player

    Tammy Duckworth

    U.S. Senator from Illinois

    Read more:  Top Public Universities in the USA

    Northern Illinois University Highlights

    not-found
    Year of Establishment1957
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    Institute TypeUniversity
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    OwnershipPublic/Government
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    Number Of Students11429
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    Campus Size765 acres
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    Faculty Count814
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    Acceptance Rate70%
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    Fee Range₹18.11 L - ₹26.08 L/yr
    Bachelors vs Masters
    Gender Ratio
    Male: 47%Female: 53%
    Male: 47%Female: 53%
    Student Demographic
    • Domestic:   664
    • International:   114

    Northern Illinois University Courses

    Northern Illinois University offers more than 100 areas of academic courses, approximately 174 academic courses for applicants. Applicants can select their desired courses at the time of admission. NIU offers programmes such as computer science, electrical engineering, nutrition, accounting, anthropology, and physical education. There are a few popular majors provided at universities: biology, psychology, accounting, economics, mathematics, sociology, and computer science.

    Also Read: Top Courses In USA

    Accreditations
    Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    Education Level
    Select
    Stream
    Select
    Mode
    Select
    LevelPG
    MajorHuman
    Duration24 Months
    Fees21.73 L/yr
    LevelPG
    MajorNutrition
    Duration12 Months
    Fees21.73 L/yr
    LevelPG
    MajorPsychology
    Duration12 Months
    Fees21.73 L/yr
    LevelPG
    MajorSpanish
    Duration12 Months
    Fees21.73 L/yr
    LevelPG
    MajorSports
    Duration12 Months
    Fees21.73 L/yr
    LevelDoctoral
    MajorChemistry
    Duration36 Months
    Fees21.73 L/yr

    Northern Illinois University Fees

    CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
    M.Sc.(45 courses)1 year-3 years₹18.11 L - ₹26.08 L/yr₹10.46 L - ₹15.07 L/yr
    BS(44 courses)4 years₹24.34 L/yr₹12.17 L/yr
    Ph.D(21 courses)2 years-3 years₹21.73 L/yr₹12.56 L/yr
    M.A.(20 courses)1 year-2 years₹21.73 L/yr₹12.56 L/yr
    B.A.(15 courses)4 years₹24.34 L/yr₹12.17 L/yr

    Northern Illinois University Cost Of Living

    Northern Illinois University tuition fee for international students varies depending on the level of study and the specific programme and is listed on the individual course page. The full-time academic load comprises of a minimum 12 credit hours. However, the tuition fee details of international students are given below:

    Northern Illinois University Tuition fees for international students 2024-25

    Programmes

    Full-time (more than 12 hours) 

    Tuition Fees in Rs.

    NURSING (Excludes pre/intended & RN-

    BS)

    USD 9,790.12 per term

    8,12,201.08

    ENGINEERING

    USD 10,390.12 per term

    8,61,977.86

    COMPUTER SCIENCE (B.S.)

    USD 10,270.12 per term

    8,52,022.51

    NURSING (Excludes pre/intended & RN-BS)

    USD 9,970.12 per term

    8,27,113.68

    LAW

    USD 23,152 full-time

    19,20,961.96 


    Is it expensive to study at Northern Illinois University?

    Northern Illinois University is an expensive institution as the cost of attendance is more than the national average. An international student can expect to spend between USD 16,000 and USD 20,000 for one academic term, excluding tuition and other fees. The actual cost of attendance can be determined by adding tuition and living expenses, however, it may vary with the lifestyle and financial status of the students. 

    Northern Illinois University Cost of living for international students

    Items

    Undergraduate Expenses in USD (12+ credit hours)

    Graduate Expenses in USD (12 credit hours)

    Accommodation 

    12,800

    14,080

    Travel

    920

    1,296

    Books and supplies

    1,300

    1,200

    Miscellaneous/personal expenses

    1,840

    2,816

    Total

    16,860 (Rs. 13,98,883.47 )

    19,392 (Rs.16,08,964.91)

    Northern Illinois University Admission and Application

    Application deadline May,2026

    Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70% which accepts student forms on a first-come basis. Aspiring candidates must fill out the official application form while submitting all the required documents and details on the Northern Illinois University official website.

    How to apply to UG & PG courses at Northern Illinois University?

    The application process to foreign universities can be a little tricky business. However, we are providing you with a step-by-step procedure to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process. The details for applying to Northern Illinois University are as follows:

    • Visit the official website of Northern Illinois University. 

    • Click the University Homepage, and Select on the Admission page. 

    • Click on the international students option and tap on the direct online application link. 

    • Now, tap on the Create new account option, use the credentials to log into the portal, and fill out the application.

    • Upload all the supporting documents (scanned and PDF) and submit the application form.

    Northern Illinois University Application Fee

    All the applicants applying to Northern Illinois University are required to submit an application fee of USD 60 (Rs. 4,978.51) for international students who want to apply for any of the courses offered at this University. Candidates must submit the application fee online along with the Application Form.

    Northern Illinois University- Application Deadline

    Semester

    Application deadlines

    Fall 

    May 1

    Spring 

    October 1


    Documents required for admission to Northern Illinois University

    Read more: Study in the US for Indian Students

    Northern Illinois University Scholarship

    The scholarships are generally provided based on merit and interested students can check their eligibility and application process on the Northern Illinois University scholarship page. Here are a few scholarships given below:

    • MyScholarships. 

    • Huskie Legacy Award. 

    • NIU Partnership Awards.

    • Dekalb Country Scholarship (USD 4,000).

    • Chicago Public Schools Scholarship (USD 4,000).

    Requirements for International Students Scholarship

    • At the time of consideration, a minimum GPA of 3.8/ 4.0 is required.

    • If applicants attended a high school and earned a GED, they can still be considered for merit scholarships. 

    • After assessing each applicant's final official transcripts, the award is given based on the information submitted at the time of admission application and may be subject to change.

    Also Read: Scholarships for International Students in the USA

    Northern Illinois University Eligibility

    Applicants who are not English native speakers have to submit proof of English proficiency to meet the academic requirements of Northern Illinois University. Applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through standardised tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, etc. The tests must be taken within two years before the date of application.

    Northern Illinois University English Language Requirements

    Tests

    Scores required for Undergraduate

    Scores required for Graduate

    TOEFL

    71 (IbT)

    527 (paper-based)

    80

    IELTS

    6.0

    6.5

    PTE Academic

    48

    53

    Duolingo

    105

    115

    Northern Illinois University Campus Facilities

    Study Amenities

    Classrooms

    Wifi

    Library

    Laboratories

    Amenities and Clubs

    Alumni Associations

    Sports

    Swimming Pool

    Gym

    Sports

    Transportation

    Parking Facility

    Infrastructure

    Auditorium

    Cafeteria

    Convenience Store

    I.T Infrastructure

    Northern Illinois University International Office Details

    Northern Illinois University has a total student population of 15,504 studying in various academic majors on campus, of which 1,041 are international students (approximately 7% to 8%) representing over 70 countries. Northern Illinois University offers numerous benefits and support to its international students regarding Visas and Immigration, Fees and financial support, English Language and Preparation courses, affordable accommodation, Career support services, and cool campus life.

    Address: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA. 

    Phone No: 815-753-0446

    Email: admissions@niu.edu

    Is it hard to get into Northern Illinois University?

    Northern Illinois University’s acceptance rate stands at around 70%, which makes the university less selective yet competitive as it receives a good amount of applications from around the world. The average high school GPA accepted at NIU for recent 2023 Fall admissions is 3.42 on a 4-point scale.

    Hence, foreign applicants must meet all the admission requirements and demonstrate high academic records to get admitted to Northern Illinois University. International students can contact Northern Illinois University at the given details.

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    FAQ's

    Northern Illinois University is known for its high student satisfaction and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the US for student satisfaction, Northern Illinois prioritizes student well-being and a positive learning environment. Its diverse academic programs, research-driven approach, beautiful campus, and vibrant community make it a compelling choice for students seeking a well-rounded and transformative education.

    Northern Illinois University’s rankings as per the 2024 QS rankings include 201-250th in the US, which places it among the top 250 universities in the United States. The Times Higher Education Report has ranked NIU 601–800th in the World University Rankings 2024.

    No, Northern Illinois University’s acceptance rate is approximately 70% as per the estimates, which shows that the University admissions have become selective yet attainable over the years. Applicants aiming to get admission at NIU are required to meet all the admission requirements before application.

    The Northern Illinois University University has 42 schools and departments within seven colleges that provide extraordinary learning opportunities in over 100 fields of study. Some of the popular courses offered are Communicative Disorders, Computer Science, Economics, Registered Nurses, and Anthropology.

    With over 1,100 instrumental faculty and a student-faculty ratio of about 16:1, It is one of the top institutions in Illinois, the United States. Northern Illinois University’s ranking in the world is 601–800th as per THE 2024. Northern Illinois University developed a strong reputation as a supportive university for international students.

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