Application deadlines are posted on the Application Timeline page.
Applications are processed as soon as all fees and supporting documentation are received. The admission process can take four to six weeks from time of receipt of all required documents during peak processing periods. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that a completed application and all official transcripts and supporting documents have been submitted to NIU Admissions. Applicants will not be contacted if any requirements have not been received at NIU Admissions. Applicants are encouraged to check their application status.
Yes. Applications completed online are received immediately by the NIU Admissions office. The online application is the preferred, best method to apply to NIU. Remember to tell your high school college guidance counselor you applied to NIU. Notification will be sent to the student verifying receipt of the application. Applicants must submit all official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to support their application for admissions. All official transcripts and documents required to support the online application must be received by NIU Admissions before the evaluation process can begin.
The application fee is $30.
Applicants who meet the qualifications for an extreme economic hardship waiver are exempt from the fee. In order to qualify for this waiver, a paper application must be submitted along with a request for a fee waiver signed by the high school guidance office or other qualified official.
Yes. Northern Illinois University accepts AP, CLEP and IB credit. Students need to have their scores sent to the Office of Testing Services to have their scores evaluated. The evaluation information is available from the NIU Office of Testing Services.
Every new NIU undergraduate student must attend New Student Orientation where they will meet with an adviser and receive priority registration.
Yes. NIU has five residence halls. For more information, visit On-Campus Housing.
Yes. See our Parking & Transportation page for more information.
Tuition and fees information is posted on the Office of the Bursar's Web Site.
Information and applications for financial assistance are available from Student Financial Aid. That office also maintains information on Veteran's Assistance. Scholarship information is available on the Scholarship Search site.
The Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs are available free online. Printed catalogs are provided to all undergraduate students at Orientation. Class schedules are searchable using the NIU Course Finder.
Yes. Health Services provides medical care to all students, full-time or part-time, who are registered and have paid on-campus tuition and fees. Students may use Health Services without being enrolled in the student Health Insurance Plan.
The university offers a Health Insurance Plan designed exclusively for NIU students. Enrollment in the plan is automatic for students registered for 9 or more on-campus hours and all international students.
The university provides support services for students with a variety of disabilities. A wide range of services can be obtained including, but not limited to, housing, transportation, adaptation of printed materials, testing accommodations, sign language interpreters and advocacy with faculty and staff.
Northern Illinois University provides an optional, supplemental admission process for freshman applicants with disabilities who are close to meeting standard NIU admission criteria but, due to a disability concern, do not meet the criteria. This joint process between the Office of Admissions and the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR) allows for review of disability-related documentation, in addition to the standard application materials, to provide additional information in making an admission decision. CAAR will review the materials that are submitted and make recommendations to the NIU Office of Admissions.
NIU helps students secure internships and full-time employment by offering job and internship fairs, career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews and an online job search database. For more information, see our Careers & Employment page.
NIU's graduation rates are similar to the average graduation rates of other NCAA 1-A institutions. For more information, see our webpage on this topic.
Yes! Northern Illinois University has the advantage of being located in a smaller city with lower crime rates than more populous communities. But even in this relatively secure environment, people must act responsibly to ensure their own well-being. For more information, see our Safety & Security on Campus site.
17. What are official ACT and/or official SAT test scores?
Official ACT and/or official SAT test scores are: your ACT and/or SAT complete test score reports sent directly to the Northern Illinois University Admissions Office from the ACT Company or from the College Board (SAT), in support of your application.
NIU will accept either official ACT or official SAT test scores that meet NIU criteria for admissions consideration. If you take both tests, send both to NIU. If you repeat a test, send all new official scores to NIU.