Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
Illinois, United States of America | Estd in 1957 | Government University
CWUR Rank : 881
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public Institute that was founded in 1957. The University has 42 schools and departments within seven colleges that provide extraordinary learning opportunities in over 100 fields of study.
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. The application fee for international students is about USD 60 for degree-seeking students and USD 10 for students-at-large (not seeking a degree).
Northern Illinois University’s acceptance rate is around 70% and it accepts applicants from abroad with a minimum aggregate of 77%-79% in class 12 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the bachelor’s programme. The English proficiency tests accepted at NIU are TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo. The latest application deadline for Northern Illinois University is May 1, 2024, for fall admission to UG programmes.
Northern Illinois University’s popular courses are Communicative Disorders, Computer Science, Economics, Registered Nurses, and Anthropology. Northern Illinois University developed a strong reputation as a supportive university for international students.
NIU is home to 15,649 students with over 1,000 students representing 70 foreign countries, with the largest numbers coming from China, India, and Saudi Arabia. NIU's main campus is located in DeKalb, Illinois, where the infrastructure of the campus is about 945.13 acres. And
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Northern Illinois University Highlights
- Domestic: 664
- International: 114
Northern Illinois University Ranking and Stats
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. According to the US News and World Report, 2024, Northern Illinois University is at 269th place in the country out of 439 national universities, and 145th in the top public schools.
In 2024, the Northern Illinois University School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science (BSN) placed 183 out of 650 institutions in the nation. Also in 2023, NIU was among the top five undergraduate nursing schools in Illinois, as ranked by the U.S. News & World Report.
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
| Domain | Year | Score | Rank | Rank Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2022 | NA | NA | 32.0–37.9 |
| Overall | 2023 | NA | NA | 29.8–33.9 |
| Overall | 2024 | NA | NA | 37.0-41.8 |
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.
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Accreditations
Northern Illinois University Fees
| Courses | Duration | International Student | Local 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 INR |
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 (INR 13,98,883.47 ) | 19,392 (INR16,08,964.91) |
Source: official website
Northern Illinois University Admission and Application
Northern Illinois University’s acceptance rate is approximately 70% as per the unofficial estimates, which shows that Northern Illinois University admissions have become selective over the years. Applicants aiming to get admission at NIU are required to meet all the admission requirements before application.
International applicants must apply through the university’s application portal for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes. UG applicants can also apply through Common Application.
How to apply at Northern Illinois University for both UG and PG admission?
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 Fees
The application fee to apply to NIU is USD 60 (INR 4,978.51) for degree-seeking graduate applicants, while there is no application fee for undergraduate applications.
Northern Illinois University Application Deadlines: UG
Particulars | Deadlines |
Fall Semester | May 1, 2024 |
Spring Semester | October 1, 2024 |
Note: The application deadlines to apply for Graduate studies vary with the courses. Applicants can check the deadlines under their selected graduate programme.
Documents Required for Northern Illinois University: Undergraduate
A complete NIU application.
Official academic transcripts from all high schools attended.
Proof of English eligibility
Students should submit their proof of financial ability to receive their immigration documents.
Documents Required for Northern Illinois University: Graduate
School and University Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted for admission purposes).
Resume or curriculum vitae (optional).
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 few scholarships are given below:
MyScholarships.
Huskie Legacy Award.
NIU Partnership Awards.
(i) Dekalb Country Scholarship (USD 4,000).
(ii) 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 USA
Northern Illinois University Eligibility
Northern Illinois University eligibility criteria may vary as per the course requirements, so applicants are required to explore the degree programmes and check their eligibility. However, the eligibility criteria for Indian applicants across various degree programmes are mentioned below.
Completed high school with a minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4-point scale or 79% aggregate (equivalent to the US C+ average), for UG.
Complete a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally qualified university with equivalent recognition for PG with a minimum 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.
English language proficiency requirements must be met.
Any additional requirements as stated by the selected course of study.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
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.
English Proficiency Test Scores accepted at Northern Illinois University
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
Classrooms
Wifi
Library
Laboratories
Alumni Associations
Swimming Pool
Gym
Sports
Parking Facility
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.
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.
Address: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
Phone No: 815-753-0446
Email: admissions@niu.edu
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FAQ's
This state provides all international students with an excellent education. The majority of Illinois USA's universities have a high acceptance rate, reasonable tuition, and a diverse curriculum, which makes them the best places to study.
The business, engineering, nursing, visual and performing arts, and teacher certification programs at NIU have all received national accreditation for upholding the highest standards of academic quality and rigour.
Northern Illinois University is one the best public universities in the United States. One of the best public universities in the country, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a first-tier institution. U.S. News & World Report ranked it 189th in 2012 and 177th in 2021. NIU was placed between 801 and 1000 by THE (Times Higher Education) in 2023.
No, Northern Illinois University does not require, to have taken the GRE exam. The Standard GRE Exam, which does not require a specific subject exam. The university demands the results of an English language competence test for international students.
Northern Illinois University's ranked #269 in the 2024 edition. With 11,429 undergraduate students enrolled overall (fall 2022), the campus spans 800 acres and is located in a suburban area. The academic calendar is based on the semester.
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