Northern Illinois University

Overview

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois. Established in 1895, it began as Northern Illinois State Normal School, created by Illinois Governor John P. Altgeld. NIU provides a variety of academic programs, offering 174 degree options through its seven colleges. The university is recognized for its quality education, with an overall grading of B by GyanDhan. The typical undergraduate class size is 23 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. NIU has a diverse community, with over 1,041 international students and a total enrollment exceeding 4,100. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has an acceptance rate of around 71%, making it moderately selective for admissions.

A few key facts about Northern Illinois University include its establishment in 1895 and its ranking of B by GyanDhan. The university requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission. NIU is located in DeKalb, Illinois, USA, and its most popular majors include Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science. The annual tuition for undergraduate programs ranges from INR 10.62 L to 16.37 L, while postgraduate tuition can be between INR 8.77 L and 44.77 L. The placement rate for graduates is impressive at 88%, and the university operates seven colleges offering a wide range of courses.

Northern Illinois University has a rich history, having started as a teachers' college in 1899. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent public institution attracting students from around the world. In 2020, NIU celebrated its 125th anniversary, showcasing its long-standing commitment to education and research. The university's strong alumni network includes over 245,000 members, featuring successful individuals in various fields. Notable alumni include Cindy Morgan, Judith Curry, and Michael Turner, among others.

NIU is well-known for its diverse academic programs that cater to both international and domestic students. The university offers a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate courses across its seven colleges. Some of the top programs that attract international students include Bachelor's in Computer Science and Master's in Management Information Systems. The university emphasizes providing quality education and preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

For admissions in 2025, Northern Illinois University has specific requirements that international students must meet. The application process is straightforward, with no application fee required. Deadlines vary based on the course, so prospective students should check the specific requirements for their desired program. NIU is committed to helping students achieve their academic goals and offers a supportive environment for learning and growth.

About Northern Illinois University

Important Information about Northern Illinois University
A few fun facts about Northern Illinois University are shared below:

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Academic Degree Programs

Colleges That Offer Degrees

Popular Programs

NIU Scholarships

After an international student gets accepted to NIU as a freshman or transfer student, they will automatically be looked at for either a merit scholarship or a housing scholarship. The merit and housing scholarships available to international students include:

Admissions 2025

Admission Deadlines 2025

English Language Requirements

At Northern Illinois University, classes are taught in English. So, international students whose first language is not English must prove they can speak and understand English well. They can do this by providing their IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE test scores.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at NIU is 70%, which means it is a competitive school.

Application Fee

The application fee for undergraduate and graduate programs at Northern Illinois University is as follows:

Ranking 2025

Northern Illinois University is a top university in the United States. In terms of NIU rankings, it is listed among the best universities in both global and national rankings. According to GyanDhan Grading, Northern Illinois University has an overall grade of B. As per a well-known ranking organization, the university is ranked #273 in the Best Colleges for National Universities 2025. Additionally, another ranking body places NIU between #800-1000 in the World University Rankings 2025. The following are the top programs at NIU that have been recognized by GyanDhan Grading:

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Notable Alumni

Northern Illinois University has a large network of alumni around the globe. The university boasts over 245,000 alumni members worldwide. Its alumni include many well-known figures, innovators, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and more. Some famous graduates of Northern Illinois University are Cindy Morgan, Judith Curry, Abdel Nader, Fai Hung-tai, and Michael Turner. Below are a few more notable alumni from the university:

NIU Location