Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · 4-year

Northern Illinois University has a 70.5% acceptance rate. Northern Illinois University is a public 4-year institution in Dekalb, IL. The average net price is $13,391 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

70.5%

24,177 applicants

SAT Median

N/A

Combined score

ACT Median

N/A

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$13,391

After financial aid

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.5%

Retention Rate

69.6%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

11,301

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Northern Illinois University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$10,126
$30,001 – $48,000$9,854
$48,001 – $75,000$12,797
$75,001 – $110,000$17,612
$110,000+$21,834

Top Majors at Northern Illinois University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing441
Health Professions333
Education241
Psychology213
Engineering195
Social Sciences123
Visual & Performing Arts123
Computer & Information Sciences120
Parks, Recreation & Fitness102
Liberal Arts & General Studies93

Financial Aid at Northern Illinois University

About Northern Illinois University

Official website: https://www.niu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.niu.edu/Apply/index.shtml

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Illinois University

What is the acceptance rate at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. it received about 24,177 applications in a recent year; the average net price is $13,391 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Northern Illinois University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Northern Illinois University?

Getting into Northern Illinois University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 70% of applicants. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Northern Illinois University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

How much does it cost to attend Northern Illinois University?

The average net price at Northern Illinois University is $13,391 per year after grants and scholarships. about 99% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $13,565 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University has a graduation rate of 0%. its first-year retention rate is 70%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Northern Illinois University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Northern Illinois University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Northern Illinois University is test-blind, meaning it does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. With a 70% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Northern Illinois University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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