Northern Illinois University
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Northern Illinois University: Ranking, Cost, Acceptance Rate & Admissions 2024

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 23 Oct '24, by Kartik Bisht (Study Abroad Expert)

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The last date to submit all application documents at Northern Illinois University for the Fall semester is May 1, 2025.

About Northern Illinois University

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Year of establishment
1895
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
1211
Campus size
756 acres
No. of campus
4
Endowment value
USD 74 million
Scholarships granted
11297
Scholarship amount granted
USD 104 million
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
819
Faculty/Student ratio
14
Total criminal offences
131
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

48%

Hispanic

23%

Black

20%

Asian

6%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

25961
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.53
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Is Northern Illinois University hard to get into?

A: 

Thousands of students apply to NIU every year from across the US and around the world. Northern Illinois University acceptance rate is 70%. With such a high acceptance rate, Northern Illinois University is moderately selective for admissions. However, for some of its popular courses due to high demand the university is more selective and therefore, admissions may be tougher than normal. Therefore, international students are advised to check the eligibility before applying for their course at Northern Illinois University. 

Q:   Does NIU require GMAT score for admission?

A: 

Graduates are expected to submit GMAT scores at NIU as basic requirements along with various other requirements. The minimum GMAT score required is 550 out of 800 from international graduate applicants. Some graduate applicants require a GRE score with an average score of 150 per section. Along with GRE/ GMAT scores, students must submit GPA scores, unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and proof of their English proficiency during admission.

Q:   What GPA score do I need to get admission at NIU?

A: 

Northern Illinois University expects a minimal GPA of 3 from undergraduate and 2.75 from graduate applicants on a 4-point scale. Along with the GPA score, the NIU prioritizes many factors, such as GMAT/ GRE scores, English language proficiency scores, class rank, academic scores, and application essays. Students willing to get into Northern Illinois University must aim to score excellent through high school or graduation to increase their selection probability.

Q:   Is it hard to get admission at NIU?

A: 

With a 71% acceptance rate, Northern Illinois University is moderately hard to get into. Unlike many US-based universities, NIU follows a moderately stringent selection procedure to select candidates for their UG and PG programs. For UG programs, students must hold a high school Diploma degree, and for PG programs, students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised organisation to fulfill the basic eligibility criteria. Students with above-average performance, relevant experience, and excellent grades can easily get into Northern Illinois University.

Q:   Does Northern Illinois University require an application fee?

A: 

After fulfilling the eligibility for undergraduate and graduate programs at NIU, students must fill out the required personal details and submit the documents, such as transcripts, test scores, English language proficiency scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and more. After completing the application, students must pay USD 50 (INR 4K) for the UG programme and USD 60 (INR 5K) for the PG programme as an application fee at Northern Illinois University. (USD 1=INR 83.94 on 30 Aug 2024)

Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   What is the eligibity criteria for indian students to avail scholarships at Northern illinois University?

A: 

The university provides a variety of financial aid opportunities for international students. These scholarships primarily consider academic achievements and financial needs. Here are the available options:

Academic Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance. To be eligible, students should maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale. The value of this scholarship ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 9,000 (INR 415,135 - 747,243) per academic year.

Housing Support Grants: This scholarship is designed for students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Recipients of this grant must reside in Neptune West residence hall. The scholarship provides a yearly sum of USD 3,600.

*USD/INR = 83.03

Q:   Does Northern Illinois University offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

Yes, Northern Illinois University offer scholarships to support international students. Northern Illinois University offers mainly two types of scholarships to international students; Merit scholarship and Housing scholarship. The award given in Merit and Housing scholarship are given below.

Scholarship NameAward (per year)
Merit ScholarshipUSD 5,000 to USD 9,000 (INR 415,135 - 747,243)
Housing ScholarshipUSD 3,600 (INR 298,897)

*USD/INR = 83.03

Admissions 2025

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall15ᵗʰ Mar - 15ᵗʰ Jul 2024
Spring1ˢᵗ Oct 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Oct 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   How to apply for a USA visa?

A: 

You can follow the steps below and apply for US visa:

  • Identify which type of visa you need for the USA, such as a tourist visa, student permit, or work permit.
  • Check if you meet the requirements to travel to the USA.
  • Ensure you have all the necessary documents to comply with the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions imposed by the USA Government, including any required travel exemptions.
  • Apply for your USA visa online by registering on the official website of the USA Immigration Services.
  • Upload all the required documents for your USA visa application.
  • Fill out the visa application form and pay the applicable USA visa fee.
  • Arrange an appointment with a USA visa application center in India for your visa interview and biometrics submission.
  • Wait for your USA visa application to be processed. Typically, the processing time for Indian nationals applying for a USA visa is around 47 days.

Q:   How many international students are studying in Northern illinois University?

A: 

According to Northern illinois University data from 2020-2021, a small portion of the student body consists of international students, showcasing a wide range of diversity. Specifically, Northern Illinois University had a total of 735 international students enrolled, with 173 of them pursuing undergraduate degrees. Northern Illinois University has a moderate level of selectivity. Once all the applications are in, the university evaluates them one by one. The average ACT score for admitted students is around 22. To secure a spot at the university, students need to demonstrate exceptional abilities and achieve high scores. In some cases, students may need to provide work portfolios or essays as part of their admission process. Gaining admission to this university is a challenging endeavor.

Q:   Can an average indian student from tier 2 / tier 3 indian student join Northern illinois University?

A: 

Getting admission to Northern Illinois University or any other prestigious university requires students with passion, commitment and diligence. With sincerity, any student who can afford to study abroad can join Northern Illinois University. However, students must fulfil the eligibility criteria of the programme they are seeking admission into. Indian students seeking admission at Illinois University are required to have a minimum education of high school from a recognised board, with English, mathematics, Science and social Science as compulsory subjects. Furthermore, they are also required to show their English Language Proficiency by qualifying for any of the exams such as TOEFL iBT/ TOEFL PBT/ IELTS and others.s If an Indian student from tier 2/ tier 3 manages to satisfy the eligibility criteria, then she/he can surely join Northern Illinois University.

Q:   What are the admission requirements for international students at Northeastern Illinois University?

A: 

International students willing to take part in UG and PG programs at Northeastern Illinois University must fulfill the basic eligibility criteria and submit the documents required by the university. The admission requirements for international students at Northeastern Illinois University are given below:

Undergraduate requirements:

  • Students must hold a high school Diploma degree
  • Official transcripts
  • English language requirements

Graduate requirements:

  • Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 2.75 undergraduate GPA (on a 4.0-point scale)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Proof of English proficiency 

Q:   How do I apply for admission at Northern Illinois University?

A: 

To be admitted to Northern Illinois University, international applicants must adhere to the procedures listed below:
Step 1: Select a program: International students can select from 90 undergraduate, 58 master's, and 27 doctorate programs, and review the requirements for each programme before applying.
Step 2: Complete the application form: Before the NIU deadline, international students may apply online using the university application portal and submit the necessary paperwork, which includes essays, certificates of relevant experience, academic transcripts, English language proficiency, and more.
Step 3: Pay the application fee: International students must pay USD 50 (INR 4K) for undergraduate studies and USD 60 (INR 5K) for postgraduate studies. (On August 30, 2024, USD 1 = INR 83.87)
Step 4: Await a response. After reviewing the applications, NIU will send out an offer letter to those who wish to enroll in the UG or PG programme in a matter of weeks.
Step 5: Pay tuition: The amount that international students must pay will depend on the course that they have selected. For undergrad programs, the tuition costs range from INR 19L to INR 23L, while for graduate programs, they range from INR 11L to INR 23L.

Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(7 courses)
INR 9 L - 15 L
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedGRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
MBA/PGDM(4 courses)
INR 12 L - 45 L
Duration12-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GMAT
BBA(1 course)
INR 11 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above
MIM(3 courses)
INR 12 L - 25 L
Duration1 year-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GMAT
MPA(1 course)
INR 17 L
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
M.A.(3 courses)
INR 12 L - 25 L
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses)
INR 11 L - 17 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above
B.Sc.(1 course)
INR 11 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above
B.J.M.C.(1 course)
INR 17 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   How much is the tuition fee in Northern illinois University?

A: 

The tuition charge for international students at Northern Ilinois University varies depending on whether the student belongs to the same state or he/she is an International students. It is critical to submit tuition money on time because if students fail to do so, their grades will be withheld by the university. Check below the average tuition fees for Northern Illinois University courses for International students. 

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
INR 9 L - 15 L
INR 16 L
INR 45 L

Q:   What is the tuition fee (per annum) for various programs at NIU?

A: 

The university provides around 90 undergraduates, 58 masters’, and 27 doctoral degree programs in specializations such as Computer Science; Chemistry; Biology; Mathematics; and more. Northern Illinois University fees range between INR 19L and INR 23L for UG programs and for PG, it is between INR 11L and INR 23L. Students can check the tuition fees for the popular programs below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS (5 courses)

INR 12 L - 16 L

MBA/PGDM (3 courses)

INR 13 L - 15 L

MA (22 courses)

INR 12 L - 23 L

BA (20 courses)

INR 19 L - 22 L

BSc (8 courses)

INR 19 L - 22 L

BBA (7 courses)

INR 19 L

MPH (1 course)

INR 16 L

BE/ BTech (2 courses)

INR 19 L - 23 L

MIM (2 courses)

INR 13 L - 14 L

Q:   What are the requirements for MS in CS at Northern Illinois University?

A: 

International students must meet the below Northern Illinois University requirements for MS in Computer Science admission:

·      Must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

·      Official Undergraduate transcripts.

·      The Standard GRE Examination (no subject exam required)

·      Submit English language proficiency test score

·      Two letters of recommendation

·      A Statement of Purpose.

·      Resume or CV

NIU
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.2/5
Verified Icon1 Verified ReviewInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Friendly
  • Liberal
  • Academically oriented
Student Views
  • 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships4
Part time work5
Post study jobs4
Quality of faculty4
Student Life4
Value for money3
Public transportation5
Safety5
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration4
M
Mallipudi Sri Satya Sai Gayathri Verified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
4.2
Fun and relishing college.
Tips: Before joining this college, part time opportunities and accommodations should be taken care of. One should have clear mindset for working hard and everything is good in here. The opportunities we get should be made use of. It is the best university you would ever go in Illinois state.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2022Read more
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Jobs Outcome

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   How is the placement for M.A. at Northern illinois University?

A: 

The Placement opportunities at Northern Illinois University are quite good. The Placement rate varies according to the courses. The Placement rate for M.A is usually 76%. The average Placement lies between 3.4-3.6 LPA and the high Placement lies between 6.6-6.9 LPA. The University also provides ample of Internship opportunities or summer training to the students to enhance their skills and boost their knowledge.

Q:   Which companies are the top employers of Northern Illinois University graduates?

A: 

Northern Illinois University is among the top universities for international students in Canada. The University is known for having the highest placement rate. Moreover, university graduates are consistently in high demand worldwide. Also, the graduates work in top sectors such as Business Development, Sales, Engineering, Information Technology, and more. A few of the top employers at Northern Illinois University are listed below:

  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Salesforce
  • Chief
  • PwC
  • United Airlines
  • CDW
  • McDonald’s
  • AbbVie
  • Discover Financial Services







Ranking 2025

BOverall University Grade
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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Is Northern Illinois University good?

A: 

Northern Illinois University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The university is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and nationally. Check below Northern Illinois University ranking by major ranking bodies. 

Ranking BodyRank
THE World University Rankings 2025 - Global#800-1000
US News and World Report 2025 - National#273

Q:   Is Northern Illinois University good for business?

A: 

Northern Illinois University offers a number of business and management programs including MBA programs through its College of Business. The courses offered by NIU business school are highly ranked and top-rated all over the world. The global and national rankings of business and management courses offered by Northern Illinois University are given below:

Ranked By20222023

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

501-600501-600

US News & World Report - UG Business

190190

Northern Illinois University Vs UIUC Vs DePaul University: Which is better?

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Compare NIU with other similar colleges

MS
MBA/PGDM
BBA
MIM
MPA
M.A.
B.E. / B.Tech
B.Sc.
B.J.M.C.
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

NIU

INR 8.84 L - 15.49 LB#269 US News, 2024
INR 12.5 L - 16.07 L-/- -/-

SIU Carbondale

Double Arrow Icon Compare
INR 14.84 L - 20.54 LB#280 US News, 2024
INR 12.69 L - 18.52 LB++#851 QS, 2025
INR 11.7 L-/- -/-

Missouri S&T

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INR 19.86 L - 26 LB++#527 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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Study in the USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
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963+
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3.38L
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20 hours per week
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12 months
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Washington D.C.
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334.23M (2023)
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2%
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English
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December
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Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-26
New York07
Chicago-33
Los Angeles920
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Commonly asked questions
On Study in Country

Q:   How to apply for a USA visa?

A: 

You can follow the steps below and apply for US visa:

  • Identify which type of visa you need for the USA, such as a tourist visa, student permit, or work permit.
  • Check if you meet the requirements to travel to the USA.
  • Ensure you have all the necessary documents to comply with the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions imposed by the USA Government, including any required travel exemptions.
  • Apply for your USA visa online by registering on the official website of the USA Immigration Services.
  • Upload all the required documents for your USA visa application.
  • Fill out the visa application form and pay the applicable USA visa fee.
  • Arrange an appointment with a USA visa application center in India for your visa interview and biometrics submission.
  • Wait for your USA visa application to be processed. Typically, the processing time for Indian nationals applying for a USA visa is around 47 days.

Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Who are the notable alumni of Northern Illinois University?

A: 

Northern Illinois University is one of the best universities for higher education in the United States. With over 245,000 alumni members all over the world. The University graduates work in top sectors such as Business Development, Operations, Education, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and more. Some of the famous personalities that are part of the university alumni network include:

  • Robert Zemeckis
  • Tammy Duckworth
  • Joan Allen
  • Kurt Sutter
  • Dan Castellaneta
  • Wood Harris
  • Maria Kanellis
  • Anies Baswedan
  • Matt Walsh
  • Carrie Snodgress
  • P. J. Fleck
  • Charlotte Kate Fox
  • Jose Manuel Diokno
  • Samantha Irby
  • Markos Moulitsas
  • Robin Kelly

Q:   How many alumni does Northern Illinois University have?

A: 

Northern Illinois University has a vast alumni of more than 245,000 members who work for top companies worldwide. The graduates work for top companies such as Amazon, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and more. Some famous people who went to the university include Robin Kelly, Fritz Peterson, Tim Gullikson, Paul Sereno, etc. The University alumni network includes various famous personalities, innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs, and more. Moreover, the graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Project Management, Marketing, Business Development, etc.

Northern Illinois University FAQs

Q:   What is the opinion of those who have gone to Northern Illinois University (NIU) for engineering and business majors?

A: 

Northern Illinois University's College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) has a good reputation for its programs in various engineering fields, including mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering. The CEET is accredited by ABET, which is a well-known accrediting agency for engineering programs. In general, Northern Illinois University is a good choice for students who want to earn a degree that will look good on their resumes, especially in the fields of engineering and business. However, it is important to note that the value of a degree ultimately depends on various factors, such as the student's academic performance, work experience, and networking skills, among others.

Q:   What is it like to attend Northern Illinois University?

A: 

As per one of the former Northern Illinois University graduates; It is a fairly good University, its Education is one of the top schools in the States. I enjoyed my years there. I found many good friends above all many great professors.

Q:   Which is the better university for M.A. in USA, Northern illinois University or Illinois State University?

A: 

 The Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL while Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL. Northern Illinois University is ranked 412 Nationally while Illinois State University is ranked 467 Nationally. Illinois State University is 20% more expensive to attend than Northern Illinois University and the admission standards are easy in Northern Illinois Universilty while the admission standards are moderate in Illinois State University.  
 

Q:   Can students apply for Part-time jobs while studying at Northern illinois University?

A: 

Certainly, students at Northern Illinois University can seek employment opportunities while pursuing their studies. If a student is in their last year, they are eligible to apply for internships or jobs. Throughout the semester, the University permits students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus, and during breaks, full-time work is allowed. In-campus placement is offered to students who possess advanced skills and technical knowledge.

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NIU

Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois Urbana Campus are the most esteemed universities in the United States. Both universities offers something unique for their international and domestic students. When choosing a university, students must consider some crucial factors. A few c

...more

K

Kartik Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 months ago

International students whose first language is not English are required by Northern Illinois University (NIU) to demonstrate their English competency. Tests like the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL are acceptable. IELTS demands a minimum score of 6.0, whereas the TOEFL iBT requires a minimum

...more

M

Muskan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

As per the unofficial source, the strongest academic programs at Northern Illinois University are Psychology, Nursing, Health/Medical preparatory programs, Computer Science, and Marketing/ Marketing Management programs. The alumni's starting salary with the percent of graduates taking part in these

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

The Northern Illinois University acceptance rate is 71%. The moderate acceptance rate shows that the university follows a moderate selection procedure and getting NIU admission is not that hard. Students must fulfill the basic eligibility criteria including having a Diploma or bachelor’s degree for

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

Northern Illinois University provides one of the best programs in Mechanical Engineering. The programme is based on understanding manufacturing, energy conversion, and solid/fluid mechanics. Students will get an idea about designing and manufacturing devices to make people’s lives better and gain ha

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Kartik Bisht

Study Abroad Expert

A tech enthusiast, Kartik has graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Application from the IMS Ghaziabad 2023 batch. Kartik loves to learn about Cybersecurity and Cybercrime. Also, his hobbies are such as traveling, trekking, cooking, and more. Moreove...Read Full Bio
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NIU
Location

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University CityDeKalb, Illinois, USA

NIU
Campuses

Departments Icon4   Campuses
NIU CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

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NIU
Contact Information

Address

1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828

DeKalb ( Illinois)

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