Exploring Student Population At Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a large public university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student body of approximately 16,000. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,358 as of Fall 2023, with 4,042 students living on campus. NIU offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional courses, with over 100 majors to choose from. The university is composed of seven degree-granting colleges, including Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Total student enrollment is 15,415 (Fall 2024)

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a total student enrollment of 15,415 as of Fall 2024. This number includes 11,349 undergraduate students, of whom 4,042 live on campus. NIU's student body is diverse, with 50% of undergraduates identifying as first-generation college students and 66% identifying as students of color. The university has a total of 1,164 instructional faculty members and offers 174 academic degree programs, including 89 bachelor's degree programs, 58 master's degree programs, and 27 doctoral degree programs.

NIU's total student enrollment of 15,415 reflects a steady overall enrollment compared to previous years. This number includes both undergraduate and graduate students, with a slight increase in the number of new graduate and law students. The university has seen a surge in transfer students, with a 10% increase resulting in a total of 1,462 new transfer students. NIU's undergraduate enrollment of 11,349 remains similar to the previous fall, with more transfers and slightly fewer freshmen.

The entering class of Fall 2024 at NIU had an impressive academic profile, with an average high school GPA of 3.39. Nearly 20% of the incoming freshmen had a perfect 4.0 GPA, and 36% had GPAs of 3.7 or higher. Additionally, 50% of the new freshmen were first-generation college students, and 66% were students of color. NIU continues to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives and partnerships that reflect the changing demographics of the region and the nation.

NIU offers a range of academic programs and majors to its students. The university is composed of seven degree-granting colleges: Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. The top undergraduate majors at NIU include psychology, health sciences, computer science, business administration, mechanical engineering, nursing, accounting, and biology.

Undergraduate enrollment is 11,349

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student body of approximately 16,000. Of these, 11,349 are undergraduate students.

NIU was founded in 1895 as the Northern Illinois State Normal School, with the aim of providing the state with college-educated teachers. Over the years, the school and its governing body changed names several times, eventually becoming Northern Illinois University in 1957 in recognition of its expanded status as a liberal arts university.

Today, NIU offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional courses, with students able to choose from over 100 majors, as well as a large number of accelerated programs that deliver a bachelor's degree along with a master's or law degree. The university is composed of seven degree-granting colleges: Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.

The undergraduate population of 11,349 students includes almost 2,000 new freshmen Huskies, who boast an impressive average high school GPA of 3.39, with nearly 20% earning a perfect 4.0 GPA. This is the third-highest on record for NIU, and these high-achieving students were each awarded a merit scholarship of $7,000. Additionally, 36% of the new freshmen class had GPAs of 3.7 or higher.

NIU's undergraduate enrollment of 11,349 students includes a significant number of first-generation college students, with one out of every two new freshmen being the first in their family to pursue a college education. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is further reflected in the ethnic makeup of its undergraduate population, with 66% of new freshmen and 47% of new transfers identifying as students of color. This diversity extends to the international student population, with 972 students travelling from abroad to join the undergraduate cohort.

With such a large and diverse undergraduate population, NIU offers a vibrant and enriching educational experience, providing its students with numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth.

4,042 students live on campus

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student body of approximately 15,415 as of Fall 2024. Of these, 4,042 students live on campus.

NIU offers its students a range of living options. As of 2024, there are six student dormitories and complexes. Living-learning floors include the Health Professions House, Business Careers House, Teacher Education and Certification House, Honors House, International House, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics House, and Fine Arts House. The university also offers apartments to undergraduate students who are at least two years post-high school, graduate students, law students, or any student with a dependent, partner, or spouse. The Fanny Ruth Patterson Complex, a 1,000-bed complex, is open to all students and features two residential buildings where students can live in clusters of 12.

NIU's campus life includes more than 400 student organisations, including recreational sports clubs such as lacrosse, volleyball, rugby, swimming, and ice hockey. There are dozens of fraternities and sororities, and the Greek organisations host an annual bracket-style athletic tournament competition called IFC Tugs.

NIU is a diverse university, with 50% of undergraduates identifying as first-generation college students and 66% identifying as students of colour.

50% of undergraduates are first-generation college students

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student body of approximately 15,415 as of Fall 2024. Of the total student population, there are 11,349 undergraduates, 50% of whom are first-generation college students. This means that around 5,674 undergraduates are first-generation students, making up a significant portion of the NIU community.

Being a first-generation college student comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. At NIU, the university understands the unique experience of first-generation students and is committed to providing the necessary support to help them succeed. The university offers various resources and services to assist first-generation students in navigating campus life and their academic journey.

One of the key initiatives at NIU is the FirstGen Forward Network, of which the university is a proud member. This network recognises the importance of supporting first-generation students and provides a range of programs and experiences to help them thrive. For instance, NIU offers a support group called Breaking Barriers, specifically tailored to the needs of first-generation students, where they can connect with others who share similar experiences. Additionally, courses like UNIV 101 are designed to help first-year students adjust to campus life and make a smooth transition to the university environment.

The university also provides comprehensive support for the well-being of first-generation students. Services such as the Center for Student Assistance, NIU Recreation, Counseling and Consultation Services, and the Office of the Ombudsperson ensure that students' physical, mental, and emotional needs are addressed. Furthermore, academic advising, financial aid guidance, and scholarship opportunities are made accessible to first-generation students, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed in their educational pursuits.

NIU's commitment to first-generation students extends beyond the classroom and campus life. The university helps students build their future careers and connect with alumni who were also first-generation students. By fostering a community of support and guidance, NIU empowers first-generation students to achieve their goals and make a successful transition from campus to their chosen career paths. The university's dedication to this initiative has been recognised through various awards and accolades, reinforcing its position as a leader in supporting first-generation college students.

NIU has 1,193 students in the University Honors Program

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, founded in 1895. NIU has a large student body, with a total enrollment of around 15,400 to 16,000 students, as of Fall 2024. Of these, approximately 11,300 are undergraduate students.

The University Honors Program is led by a dedicated team of staff, including a director, associate directors, and assistant directors, who are committed to encouraging academic excellence and providing enhanced educational experiences. The program offers a transformative learning experience, with students meeting requirements through a wide range of honors courses and experiences.

The Peters Campus Life Building serves as a hub for the Honors Program, housing the administrative offices and providing a space for students to engage in co-curricular activities and access support services. The building also accommodates other student services and organizations, such as the Campus Activities Board, Career Services, and the Student Association.

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