Chances of getting into Northern Illinois University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into Northern Illinois and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at Northern Illinois is 70%. It ranks #22 in Illinois for lowest rate of acceptance. Northern Illinois is a moderately competitive school to get into with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements. Last year, 15,922 out of 22,602 applicants were admitted.
The school has easy admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 64 percent on standardized admission tests. Northern Illinois University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.3. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 14% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
The Northern Illinois application fee is $40 and applications are due by May 1.
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required or recommended by Northern Illinois University.
Northern Illinois SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 470 |
| SAT Math 25th | 470 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 940 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 590 |
| SAT Math 75th | 580 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1170 |
| Average SAT Score | 1060
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University is a test optional school meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT scores with their application. The position on SAT scores from the school is "neither required nor recommended".
Students who get into Northern Illinois University score in the top 71 percent of all SAT test takers.. The SAT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 940-1170.
Find other colleges with similar SAT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
Northern Illinois ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 18 |
| ACT Math 25th | 17 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 19 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 25 |
| ACT Math 75th | 25 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 25 |
| Average ACT Score | 22
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Northern Illinois?
Northern Illinois University is test optional. Students are not required to submit ACT scores with their application. The policy on ACT scores is "neither required nor recommended".
Northern Illinois regularly accepts students who score 19 and above on the ACT. These students typically score in the top 56 percent nationally. The ACT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 19-25.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Explore Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Northern Illinois University?
Applicants require above average high school grades to get into Northern Illinois. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Northern Illinois University was 3.3 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #37 in Illinois for highest average GPA. If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Northern Illinois accepts 70% of students who apply.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
High School Class Rank
72% of Northern Illinois University freshman were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 14% |
| Top 25% of class | 36% |
| Top 50% of class | 72% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 13,084 | 9,477 | 22,602 |
| Accepted | 9,502 | 6,396 | 15,922 |
| Acceptance Rate | 73% | 67% | 70% |
| Enrolled | 1,272 | 1,013 | 2,285 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 13% | 16% | 14% |
Fall 2023 Application Deadline
Applications are Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 41 days left until the Fall 2023 term applications are due on May 1, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Northern Illinois University is $40.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Northern Illinois University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Neither required nor recommended |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Required |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Consider
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147703 IPEDS survey data for Northern Illinois University.
FAQs
Does Northern Illinois University prefer SAT or ACT?
51% of students submit their SAT scores to Northern Illinois. 30% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Northern Illinois University?
70% of those who apply are granted admission to Northern Illinois. Admission competition is low and the college has easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Northern Illinois University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 940 and 1170. 51% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Northern Illinois University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 19 and 25. 30% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.