Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is located in DeKalb, Illinois, approximately 65 miles west of Chicago in a mid-sized suburban setting. Established in 1895 as a teachers college, NIU has evolved into a comprehensive public research institution spread across a 756-acre main campus characterized by its mix of modern and traditional collegiate architecture. The university is recognized for its programs in business, engineering, education, and nursing, while its College of Visual and Performing Arts maintains a strong regional presence. NIU operates as a primarily residential campus with multiple housing options for students, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living communities. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Huskies in the Mid-American Conference, with football and basketball serving as prominent sports programs.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Northern Illinois is rated within the top 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Northern Illinois University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#488 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#145 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#21 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Illinois
#197 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 940/1170 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.3 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Other Fees | $2,910 |
| Room and Board | $12,800 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,836 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,636 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| Health Professions | 15% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Education | 9% |
| Communication | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Northern Illinois are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147703 IPEDS survey data for Northern Illinois University.
Current students may use the Northern Illinois University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025