5 Videos,
Last updated on 19 Sep '25NIU USAWhat's new?
The last date to submit all application documents at Northern Illinois University for the Spring semester is Oct 1, 2025.
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is a public research university with a main campus in DeKalb, Illinois. It was founded in 1895 by Illinois Governor John P. Altgeld as Northern Illinois State Normal School. NIU offers 174 academic degree programs through its seven degree-granting colleges. According to the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Northern Illinois University has an overall rank of #207. The average undergraduate class size at Nothern Illinois University is 23 along with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. NIU has 1,073 university honors students and over 4,100+ students call the NIU campus their second home. Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university has over 1,041 international students from all over the world. According to various sources, Northern Illinois University acceptance rate is 71%. Thus making is moderately selective for admissions.
Things to Know about the Northern Illinois University
A few interesting facts about Northern Illinois University are listed below:
|
Particulars |
Validation |
|---|---|
|
Establishment |
1895 |
|
Ranking |
#207 by Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
|
GPA Requirements |
3.0 or higher |
|
Location |
DeKalb, Illinois, USA |
|
Top Majors |
Psychology | Mechanical Engineering | Computer Science |
|
Annual Tuition Cost |
UG - INR 10.62 L - 16.37 L| PG - INR 8.77 L - 44.77 L |
|
Acceptance Rate |
Around 70% |
|
Courses |
175+ |
|
Public or Private |
Public research university |
|
Placement Rate |
88% |
|
No. of Colleges |
7 |
History
Established in 1895, Northern Illinois University was started as Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1899 as a teachers' school. Since then the university have grown into a world-class public institution which attracts international and domestic students. Northern Illinois University celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2020.
Check out the below videos of Northern Illinois University for more Information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The Northern Illinois Univeristy is known for being among an illustrious group of higher education institutions, that form part of the "R2 Universities". The tag "R2" is given by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, that rewards institutes for their high-research activity & expenditure over the course of an academic year.
The institute lays a major emphasis on experential learning. As a result, its student population is exposed to some of the best industrial practices from the early years of their education.
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.
The Northern Illinois University ranks highly as part of university rankings given by prominent domestic & international publications. Shiksha Popularity Rankings ranks NIU #207 among all higher educational institutions in the United States.
Shiksha also ranks some of its major courses, very highly, as given below:
| Course | Ranking |
|---|---|
| MS | #228 |
| MIM | #158 |
| MA | #179 |
| MSN | #182 |
| BBA | #205 |
| LLM | #215 |
Northern Illinois University Ranking 2026
Northern Illinois University is considered to be one of the top universities in USA. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Northern Illinois University ranks #207 among all higher educational institutions in the United States.
Another prominent university ranking publication ranks it #273 as part of its National University Rankings 2025.
Moreover, a few of the Northern Illinois University courses are also ranked by Shiksha Popularity Rankings, as mentioned below:
| Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| MIM | #158 |
| BBA | #205 |
| MS | #228 |
| MSN | #182 |
| Others PG | #140 |
| M.A. | #179 |
#774
#218
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of Chicago ranks #1, as per the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings of the best colleges/universities in Illinois. The institute also happens to be one of the best higher educational institutes in the US, securing a country-level rank of #13 as part of Shiksha's rankings.
Being such a highly rated institution means, it is also one of the most selective institutions in the United States, with an acceptance rate of only around 5%.
Prospective students must perform extremely well in school/college level academics & satisfy the institute's academic requirements to have a chance of a seat at UChicago.
NIU's global rank varies with different ranking publications, as each publisher has its own criteria of assessment of an institution.
A major ranking platform ranks the institute #801 as part of its Global University Rankings 2025, while another prominent publisher ranks it #1181 as part of its Best Global Universities Rankings.
The same publisher also gives NIU a country-level rank of #273 in its rankings of US Universities.
Northern Illinois University Programs
Northern Illinois University is renowned for offering the best academic programs for its international and domestic students. The University offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and graduate levels through its seven degree-granting colleges. The most popular majors at Northern Illinois University are: Psychology, Health & Medical Preparatory programs, Computer Science, Marketing & Management, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Adult & Continuing Education, and Management Science etc. Some of the top programs at the university opted by international students are listed below:
- Bachelor in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Management Information Systems
Academic Degree Programs
| Program | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree programs | 100 |
| Master's degree programs | 80 |
Degree-Granting Colleges
| NIU Colleges | |
|---|---|
| Business | Education |
| Engineering and Engineering Technology | Health and Human Sciences |
| Law | Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| Visual and Performing Arts | |
|
Top Courses |
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
|---|---|
| Science |
#155 |
|
Medicine & Health |
#168 |
|
MIM |
#158 |
|
Physics |
#122 |
|
Business & Management Studies |
#210 |
|
MS |
#228 |
4.2(1)1 year - 24 months
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Computer Science programme at Northern Illinois University shows that it is one of the quality programs of the university. The programme revolves around the subjects, such as Algorithms, Data Structure, Computer Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, and more.
The programme provides thesis and non-thesis option via faculty members with strong research backgrounds. The CS graduates get the best opportunities after completing the programs along with research projects.
As per the prior students who had studied at Northern Illinois University, the strongest academic programs at the university are Computer Science; Chemistry; Biology; Mathematics; Psychology; Nursing; Exercise and Sports Science; Business Administration; Accounting Human Resource Development; and School Counselling. The reasons that make them popular are the opportunities students get after completing their curriculum, the high salary packages, the in-depth knowledge gained by the students, high graduation rates, subject rankings, supportive faculties, and research opportunities.
Northern Illinois University Admissions 2026
Northern Illinois University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its seven degree-granting colleges. International students must meet the adnussion requirements at the university. Moreover, the university admission process for undergraduate programs is as follows:
Admission Deadlines 2025
| Intake | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester |
Closed |
| Spring Semester | Oct 1, 2025 |
Admission Requirements for International Students
Northern Illinois University offers programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels. The minimum admission requirements for international students will vary from course to course. Therefore, international students are advised to check the minimum admission requirements before applying. The general admission requirements for international students are given below.
- Completed Application form
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended or attending
- Proof of sufficient fund
- SAT/ACT
- GRE/GMAT
- CV/Resume or Portfolio
- Interview
- Letter of Recommendations
- Essay
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at Northern Illinois University, therefore, international students whose native language is not English are required to show proficiency in the English language. International students can demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by submitting IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores.
| Exam | Scores |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo | 115 |
Acceptance Rate
NIU acceptance rate is 70%, which makes it competitive.
Application Fee
Northern Illinois University application fee for undergraduate and postgraduate program is as follows:
|
Particular |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Fee |
USD 50 (INR 4,204) |
USD 60 (INR 5,045) |
Coversion used: USD 1 - INR 84.7
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
International students who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. Northern Illinois University accepts all the major English language test scores. The minimum English language requirements for international students are given below:
| Exam | Scores |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo | 115 |
NIU USANorthern Illinois University Scholarships
Once an international student has been admitted to NIU as a freshman or transfer student, they will automatically be considered for either a merit or housing scholarship. The merit and housing scholarships offered to international students are:
| Scholarship Name | Award (per year) |
|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship | USD 5,000 to USD 9,000 (INR 415,135 to INR 747,243) |
| Housing Scholarship | USD 3,600 (INR 298,897) |
*USD/INR = 83.03
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
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 Name | Award (per year) |
|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship | USD 5,000 to USD 9,000 (INR 415,135 - 747,243) |
| Housing Scholarship | USD 3,600 (INR 298,897) |
*USD/INR = 83.03
18 monthsNIU USAStudents Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review- 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
Northern Illinois University Placements
Northern Illinois University is recognized for having the highest placement rate across the USA. Northern Illinois University placement rate is 88%, for CEET graduates. The University placement rate attracts international students the most. Also, the university graduates are in high demand worldwide. The placement highlights at the university are listed below:
- The University graduates work for top companies such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Salesforce, Chief, Amazon, etc.
- Northern Illinois University graduates work in top sectors such as Business Development, Engineering, Information Technology, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and more.
- The graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Marketing, and others.
- Top courses that are chosen by university alumni include Computer Science, Accounting, Marketing, Psychology, Information Technology, and more.
ROI After Education Northern Illinois University
The average salary of a Northern Illinois University graduate is USD 60,000 (INR 50.44 L) annually.
Top Employers
Some of the top employers at the Northern Illinois University are given below:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Salesforce
- Chief
- PwC
- United Airlines
- CDW
- McDonald’s
- AbbVie
- Discover Financial Services
Commonly asked questions On Placements
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.
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
Northern Illinois University Fees
Northern Illinois University tuition fee & duration varies from program to program. The average tuition fee for undergraduate programs at NIU ranges between INR 10.62 L - 16.37 L, while, the average tuition fee for postgraduate programs ranges between INR 8.77 L - 44.77 L.
Given below is a breakdown of costs, MS students can expect to incur at NIU:
| Fee Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | INR 8.8 L-INR 25.2 L |
| Hostel | INR 9.1 L-INR 9.8 L |
| Insurance | INR 1.7 L-INR 2.3 L |
| Transportation | INR 1.09 L |
| Others | INR 5.04 K-INR 3.42 L |
| Total Fee | INR 20.8 L-INR 41.9 L |
Check the table mentioned below to know more about the courses, fees, and duration & eligibility:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(10 courses) | INR 9 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
MBA/PGDM(4 courses) | INR 13 L - 48 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT, GRE |
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses) | INR 11 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
B.Sc.(1 course) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
MPA(1 course) | INR 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
BBA(1 course) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
M.A.(3 courses) | INR 13 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above, GRE |
B.J.M.C.(1 course) | INR 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 71 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
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.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
INR 9 L - 15 L | |
INR 16 L | |
INR 45 L |
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 |
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 USAStudent profile
Others
48%
Hispanic
23%
Black
20%
Asian
6%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
Northern Illinois University Notable Alumni
Northern Illinois University has a rich alumni network worldwide. The University has more than 245,000 alumni members all over the world. The University alumni network includes various famous personalities, innovators, game changers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and more. Some popular alumni of Northern Illinois University are Cindy Morgan, Judith Curry, Abdel Nader, Fai Hung-tai, Michael Turner, etc. A few more notable alumni of the university are mentioned below:
|
Name of Personality |
Profession |
Picture |
|---|---|---|
|
Robert Zemeckis |
American Film Director, Producer, and Screenwriter |
|
|
Tammy Duckworth |
American Politician and Retired Army National Guard lieutenant |
|
|
Joan Allen |
American Actress |
|
|
Kurt Sutter |
American Screenwriter, Director, Producer, and Actor |
|
|
Dan Castellaneta |
American Actor, Comedian, and Writer |
|
|
Wood Harris |
American Actor |
|
|
Maria Kanellis |
American Professional Wrestler, Manager, Promoter, Actress and Model |
|
|
Anies Baswedan |
Indonesian Academic, Activist, and Politician |
|
|
Matt Walsh |
American Comedian and Actor |
|
|
Carrie Snodgress |
American Actress |
|
|
P. J. Fleck |
American Football Coach and Former Wide Receiver |
|
|
Charlotte Kate Fox |
American Film, TV, and Theatrical Actress and Musician |
|
Northern Illinois University Vs UIUC Vs DePaul University: Which is better?
Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois Urbana Campus, and DePaul University are some of the most prominent universities in the United States. Each of these instituitons are based in the Illinois region & are known to provide a quality educational environment & infrastructure. The universities are largely similar in terms of the general campus facilities they offer such as student clubs & societies, dining facilities, cafe, sports grounds & more. However, there does exist some differences when it comes to some vital parameters such as: acceptance rate, course fee & rankings. These factors can be crucial in deciding the ideal institution for higher studies & therefore must be given serious consideration by prospective students.
Given below is a comparison between these universities based on the above mentioned parameters:
|
Criteria |
Northern Illinois University |
University of Illinois Urbana Campus |
DePaul University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States |
Champaign, IL, United States |
2400 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States |
|
Acceptance Rate |
70% |
45% |
70% |
|
Popular Programs |
Business Management, IT |
Engineering, Business, Psychology |
Computer Science, Business
|
|
Tuition Fee (MS) |
INR 8.81 L-INR 25.26 L |
INR 15.3 L-INR 44.5 L |
INR 16.3 L-INR 43.2 L |
|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
#207 |
#25 |
#288 |
Compare NIU USA with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 9.31 L - 26.68 L | #301 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.31 L - 27.38 L | #192 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 9.71 L - 26.48 L | #222 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 13.5 L - 19.79 L | -/- | |
| INR 11.25 L - 18.49 L | -/- | |
| INR 13.48 L - 40.4 L | #395 US News, 2026 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Both NIU & UIUC are considered part of the best universities in the region. However, both are selective at granting admissions to its students, to varying extents. The NIU acceptance rate stands at 70% while that of UIUC is around 45%. Thus, the Northern Illinois University is relatively less selective at granting admissions as compared to University of Illinois-Urbana.
Despite that, interested candidates must still perform well in academics & university entrance exams to have a good chance of securing a seat at either institute.
Study in the USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Northern Illinois University FAQs
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.
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.
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. Students also get the chance to sit as part of on campus placements.
NIU USA
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Yes, Northern Illinois University has been ranked #150 in Best Law Schools by U.S. News. Some of the other rankings for other NIU schools and programs are given below:
#61 in Best Public Affairs Programs | #135 in Economics |
#82 in Statistics | #150 in Best Law Schools |
#107 in Political Science | #160 in Mathematics |
#120 in History | #192 in Chemistry |
#131 in English | #251 in Biological Sciences |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, Northern Illinois University campus boasts 17 intercollegiate athletic teams that compete in the NCAA Division I. These teams are known as the Northern Illinois Huskies. In 2024, thirty-one of the student-athletes of NIU earned the 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award. A total of 400+ student-athl
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Yes, international students are not required to pay any tuition fee to apply at Nothern Illinois University at UG level, however students are required to pay an NIU application fee of USD 60 (INR 5.1 K).
B
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 months ago
Northern Illinois University is considered a good university and there are two intakes in a year namely: Fall and Spring. After making a successful application at this university, it takes them two to three weeks for upadating an application decision to the students.
Students can also check the stat
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 months ago
This school does not accept ACT or SAT scores for general admission or merit scholarships. The NIU acceptance rate stands at 71% making it a modertely easy university ti get into. The students are required to meet certain NIU admission requirements.
NIU follows a moderately stringent selection pro
D
Contributor-Level 8
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
NIU USA
Northern Illinois University
Aerial View
Altgeld Hall
NIU USALocation
| University City | DeKalb, Illinois, USA |
NIU USACampuses
Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
Visit official site1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
Visit official site8500 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61108
Visit official siteMelanie Costello, Campus Director 1414 North River Road P.O. Box 299 Oregon, IL 61061
Visit official siteNIU USAContact Information
1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828
DeKalb ( Illinois)
NIU USA Popular & recent articles
Comments