Ibrahim Gardner
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centres in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. Founded in 1895, NIU has since grown into a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country, and the world. The university has an approximate total student body of 16,000, with a total student enrolment of 15,415 as of Fall 2024.
What You'll Learn
Northern Illinois University has a total student population of around 15,000-16,000
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student population of around 15,000-16,000. The university was founded in 1895 as the Northern Illinois State Normal School, initially to provide the state with college-educated teachers. Today, NIU offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional courses, with over 100 majors and a large number of accelerated programs.
The university's total student enrollment, as of Fall 2024, is 15,415, with 11,349 undergraduate students and 4,066 graduate students. NIU's campus size is 800 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. The university comprises seven degree-granting colleges: Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
NIU's student body is diverse, with a significant percentage of first-generation college students (50%) and students of color (66%). The university has been recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is on a trajectory to become a fully designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The university's law school has also seen a substantial increase in enrollment, with a 10-year high of 338 students in 2025.
In addition to its main campus in DeKalb, NIU has satellite centers in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois, offering a range of educational programs to a diverse and international student body. With a rich history, a focus on academic excellence, and a dedication to accessibility, Northern Illinois University provides a well-rounded and inclusive education to its student population of approximately 15,000-16,000 individuals.
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The undergraduate population is around 11,000
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a large public university with a vibrant and diverse student community. As of Fall 2024, the total student enrollment at NIU stands at 15,415, with an undergraduate population of around 11,000 students, specifically 11,349. This number has remained steady over the years, with a similar count in Fall 2023.
NIU's undergraduate population is diverse and inclusive, with a strong focus on providing access to higher education for students from all backgrounds. The university has been recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflecting the changing face of America. Notably, almost half of the undergraduate students are students of colour, and NIU is on track to become a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with Latinx students making up over a quarter of the undergraduate population. Additionally, 50% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, emphasising NIU's role in empowering students from diverse educational backgrounds.
The university offers a wide range of academic programmes to its undergraduate students, with 89 bachelor's degree programs, 58 master's degree programs, and 27 doctoral degree programs. NIU's seven degree-granting colleges cover a variety of disciplines, including Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. The university also offers accelerated programs that allow students to obtain a bachelor's degree along with a master's or law degree.
NIU's undergraduate population benefits from a favourable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring personalised attention and support for their academic pursuits. The average undergraduate class size is 23, creating a conducive learning environment for interactive and engaging instruction. NIU's commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated by its impressive faculty, with a total of 1,164 instructional staff across various disciplines.
In addition to its strong academic focus, NIU provides a vibrant campus life for its undergraduate students. With five large dormitories, undergraduate students can choose from a variety of living options, including living-learning floors such as the Health Professions House, Business Careers House, and Honors House. NIU also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 300 clubs and organisations catering to various interests, ensuring that students can pursue their passions outside the classroom.
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The number of students living on campus is over 4,000
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois. NIU offers a vibrant campus life, with over 4,000 students choosing to live on campus. The university provides various housing options, including six student dormitories and complexes, as well as apartments for students who meet specific criteria.
NIU's residence halls cater to different interests and needs, such as the Health Professions House, Business Careers House, Teacher Education and Certification House, Honors House, International House, STEM House, and Fine Arts House. Additionally, the university offers the Northern View Community, which provides apartments for students who are at least two years out of high school, graduate students, law students, or those with a partner, spouse, or dependent.
The university's commitment to student accommodation is part of its overall focus on creating a sense of belonging and providing resources to support its students' success. NIU aims to foster an inclusive and diverse community, with a range of student organizations and clubs that cater to various interests.
The total student enrollment at NIU, including both undergraduate and graduate students, was 15,415 in Fall 2024. Of these, 11,349 were undergraduate students, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,358 in Fall 2023. NIU's campus size spans 800 acres, providing a spacious environment for its large student population.
NIU's reputation as a diverse and inclusive institution is further highlighted by its recognition and rankings. The university has been acknowledged for its leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to higher education. It has also been ranked highly by organizations like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Social Mobility Index college rankings.
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The acceptance rate for 2022 was 70.7%
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with a student body of approximately 16,000. The acceptance rate for 2022 was 70.7%. This relatively high acceptance rate makes the university somewhat selective, with the average SAT score of accepted students falling between 940 and 1170, and the average ACT score ranging from 19 to 25. The university considers a student's GPA and high school class rank as important academic factors in the admissions process, and letters of recommendation are also taken into account.
NIU has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 11,350 and offers 89 bachelor's degree programs, 58 master's degree programs, and 27 doctoral degree programs. 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.
NIU's main campus in DeKalb sits on 756 acres and includes 64 major buildings. The university also has satellite centers in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois. The campus offers several living options for students, including six student dormitories and complexes, as well as apartment-style living for certain students.
NIU has a rich history, founded in 1895 as the Northern Illinois State Normal School to provide the state with college-educated teachers. Over the years, the university has undergone several name changes and expansions, growing into the well-respected, research-focused institution it is today.
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The university has seven degree-granting colleges
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centres in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois. NIU was founded in 1895 as the Northern Illinois State Normal School, with the goal of providing the state with college-educated teachers. The university is currently made up of seven degree-granting colleges, which are as follows:
College of Business
The College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as minors in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and International Marketing.
College of Education
The College of Education offers a Bachelor of Science in Education, as well as a Master of Science in Education. The college also provides several teacher certification programs approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering. Minors are also available in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
College of Health and Human Sciences
The College of Health and Human Sciences offers a range of programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNs, and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Wellness. Minors and certificates are available in areas such as Addiction Studies, Communicative Disorders, Family and Child Studies, Health Administration, and Rehabilitation Counselling.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a diverse academic unit offering programs in areas such as anthropology, applied ethics, biological sciences, communication studies, comparative literature, creative writing, criminology, English, environmental studies, geography, history, journalism, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and more.
College of Law
The College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as other professional and academic law programs.
College of Visual and Performing Arts
The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers a range of programs, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Studio and Design, a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Visual Studies, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. Minors are also available in areas such as art history, dance performance, film and television studies, and theatre studies.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2024, Northern Illinois University has a total enrollment of 15,415 students.
As of Fall 2024, Northern Illinois University has an undergraduate enrollment of 11,349 students.
The exact number of graduate students enrolled at Northern Illinois University is not available. However, the university saw an increase of almost 3% in the total number of new students pursuing master's degrees in 2025 compared to the previous year.
