
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centres in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois. NIU offers 174 academic degree programs through its seven degree-granting colleges, attracting over 15,000 students from across the globe. The university is renowned for its diverse range of courses, vibrant campus community, and extensive extracurricular activities, including more than 400 student organisations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Students | 15,000+ |
| Undergraduate Students | 11,349 |
| International Students | 972 or 1,041 |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 14:1 or 15:1 |
| Average Undergraduate Class Size | 23 |
| Number of Student Organizations | 400+ |
| Number of Academic Degree Programs | 174 |
| Number of Degree-Granting Colleges | 7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% or 71% |
| Ranking | #207 or #273 |
| Median Undergraduate Tuition | $9,792 |
| Average Net Price | $13,884 |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid | 95% |
| Percentage of Students Completing Degrees Within "Normal Time" | 27% |
| Most Common Race/Ethnicity Group | White |
| Most Common Masters Degree Concentration | General Business Administration & Management |
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Northern Illinois University has approximately 16,000 students
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with approximately 16,000 students. The university was founded as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895 by Illinois Governor John P. Altgeld. The school was initially founded to provide the state with college-educated teachers. In addition to the main campus in DeKalb, NIU has satellite centres in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois.
NIU is classified as an "R2: Doctoral University" with high research activity. It is a member of the Universities Research Association, which manages several federal physics laboratories, including the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois. NIU has been offering undergraduate and graduate programs through its seven degree-granting colleges. The university offers a wide range of courses, with the most popular majors being Psychology, Health & Medical Preparatory programs, Computer Science, Marketing & Management, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Adult & Continuing Education, and Management Science.
NIU has a diverse and vibrant campus community, with over 15,000 students from across the globe. The university has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that every student receives mentorship and attention. NIU also has more than 400 student organisations, including recreational sports clubs, academic groups, and fraternities and sororities. The university's athletic teams are known as the Huskies and compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
NIU's campus pulses with possibilities and opportunities for students. The university offers rigorous academics, hands-on research in well-equipped labs, and a range of performance spaces for artistic endeavours. With a combination of academic excellence and a commitment to personal attention, NIU provides a unique and enriching learning environment for its approximately 16,000 students.
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972 international students attend NIU
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois. The university has a diverse student body of approximately 16,000 students, including 972 international students. This diverse group of international students contributes to a culturally rich campus community, preparing all students for success in a globalized world.
NIU's campus community brings together more than 15,000 students from across the globe, with a significant number being international students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for its students, including research labs, performance spaces, athletics, and intimate learning communities. The university is committed to expanding opportunities and supporting the success of its diverse student body, with 50% of undergraduates being the first in their families to attend college.
NIU's international student population of 972 individuals adds to the cultural richness and diversity of the campus. The university's location near Chicago also provides international students with access to world-class internships, cultural experiences, and entertainment. The combination of a vibrant campus life and the nearby city of Chicago enhances the overall experience for international students at NIU.
The university has been recognized for its inclusive excellence and its efforts to ensure that its student body reflects the demographic diversity of the region and the changing face of America. NIU has actively worked towards increasing access to higher education, eliminating undergraduate application fees, and expanding criteria for scholarship programs. These initiatives have contributed to attracting international students and creating a culturally diverse campus community.
In conclusion, the 972 international students at NIU are an integral part of the university's diverse and culturally rich campus community. The university's commitment to academic excellence, combined with its focus on inclusivity and access to educational opportunities, enhances the overall experience for international students and prepares them for success in a globalized world.
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NIU's most popular majors
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centres in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois. The university is composed of seven degree-granting colleges and has a student body of approximately 15,000 to 16,000 students.
NIU is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity" and is a member of the Universities Research Association. The university has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that every student receives the mentorship they need.
Engineering
NIU offers various engineering programmes, including Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, which are highly regarded. The university's Senior Design programme is ranked in the top 50, providing students with the opportunity to work on multi-faceted industry problems. NIU also offers a Biomedical Engineering programme.
Computer Science
While the computer science department at NIU may not be cutting-edge, it offers a solid curriculum that prepares students for in-demand careers. The programme includes required classes in assembly language, which is still widely used in mainframes and big business. As a result, companies like Texas Instruments and IBM actively recruit from NIU.
Business
The College of Business at NIU is well-known for its accounting and finance programmes. The university's business programme is ranked highly, and graduates have found success in their industries.
Nursing
The College of Nursing at NIU has a strong reputation, with a 93% pass rate on the licensing exam. The programme prepares students well for their careers, and many graduates have found success in the healthcare field.
Education
NIU has a long history as a teachers college, and its College of Education continues to be a popular choice for students. The university offers programmes in Elementary Education and Teaching, and many high school teachers in the region have obtained their master's degrees from NIU.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
NIU offers a Liberal Arts and Sciences major, providing students with a well-rounded education across a variety of disciplines. The university also has a strong focus on research, with many students working alongside faculty in research laboratories.
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NIU's graduation rates
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centres in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois. NIU has a student body of approximately 16,000, including 11,349 undergraduates. The university is composed of seven degree-granting colleges.
NIU's first-year retention rate is 73%, with an objective to increase it to 75% by fall 2023. The university's overall six-year graduation rate is 46%, with a goal to improve it by five percentage points by fall 2023.
The graduation rate for first-time, full-time students at NIU is 20% after four years, 45% after six years, and 58% after eight years. This is below the national average for first-time undergraduates attending full-time, which is 37.92% after four years, 46.43% after six, and 47.82% after eight.
First-time, part-time students at NIU have a graduation rate of 18% after six years and 20% after eight, which is also below the national average for this group.
The majority of students at NIU are considered 'traditional' first-time, full-time students, who are more likely to graduate in four years than 'non-traditional' students, who include part-time students and transfer students.
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NIU's tuition fees and financial aid
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student body of approximately 15,000 to 16,000. The tuition fees and financial aid offered by NIU vary depending on various factors, including the student's program of study, residency status, and financial need.
Tuition Fees:
NIU's tuition fees differ based on the specific program or major a student chooses. For instance, full-time tuition for international students is $39,700, while full-time tuition for nursing is $11,102. These tuition fees do not include the cost of the NIU Student Health Insurance (SHI) plan. Students enrolled in nine or more DeKalb-campus credit hours are automatically charged the student health insurance premium but can opt out if they have equivalent or better coverage elsewhere.
The total cost of attendance at NIU, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is $29,364 for both in-state and out-of-state students. This total cost does not include financial aid or scholarship funds.
Financial Aid:
NIU offers various forms of financial aid to its students, including need-based and merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at NIU was $15,633, and 82% of first-year students received this type of financial aid in the fall of 2022. Need-based self-help aid, including federal loans and work-study programs, averaged $3,795 for first-year students.
Merit-based aid, on the other hand, is awarded based on specific talents or academic achievements. Some students at NIU receive enough scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses. Additionally, students can work while studying to help finance their education. NIU offers work-study programs and campus jobs that provide opportunities for students to earn money during their time at the university.
To estimate their costs and financial aid needs, students can use NIU's Planning and Cost Estimator tool. This tool allows students to input their financial aid amounts and receive a customized estimate of their expenses. Additionally, NIU provides a Net Price Calculator to help students understand the cost of attending the university based on their personal financial situations.
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Frequently asked questions
Northern Illinois University (NIU) has approximately 16,000 students enrolled, with over 900 international students.
The average class size at NIU is 23 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 or 15:1.
In 2022, 284 more women than men received degrees from Northern Illinois University, with a total of 3,245 degrees awarded.
NIU has over 400 student organizations, with recreational sports clubs and Greek organizations such as fraternities and sororities. While the exact number of students in these organizations is not known, NIU has over 4,100 students living on campus.











































