Admit rate has ranged 48%–71% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, IL, known for its accessible admissions, strong business and nursing programs, and a lively campus culture. With a 70% acceptance rate and test-free admissions, NIU attracts a diverse student body, many of whom graduate debt-free and land solid mid-career salaries.
Admission requirements
Test-blind — scores not considered
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Class rank
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
11,301
In-state tuition
$13,248
Out-of-state tuition
$13,248
Acceptance Rate
70%
On-Campus Housing
35%
Most Popular Majors
Psychology, Nursing, Health Sciences
Test-Free Admissions
Yes (GPA-only)
4-Year Graduation Rate
29%
Average Grant/Scholarship
$5,742
Median Earnings (6 Years)
$46,113
Students Graduating Debt-Free
36%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,808
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.3×
Median debt at graduation
$22,162
Graduation rate
49%
First-year retention
70%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
60%
Pell (lower-income) share
64%
First-generation share
38%
Endowment / student
$10,156
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$66,989
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$65,924
Mechanical Engineering$64,150
Industrial Engineering$62,409
Computer Science$59,519
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
34
Per 1,000 students
3.01
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
84
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
19°F
Annual rain
39.8"
Annual snow
32.6"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
411
Scholarly works
35,269
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.6%
Bottom → top quintile
30%
From bottom quintile
5%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University's acceptance rate is approximately 70% (Dekalb, IL), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Northern Illinois University cost?
At Northern Illinois University, the average net price (after aid) is about $13,391 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University enrolls approximately 11,301 undergraduate students.
Where is Northern Illinois University located?
Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL.
Admissions
NIU maintains a 70% acceptance rate, making it a moderately accessible option for applicants. The university has adopted a test-free admissions policy, meaning ACT/SAT scores are no longer considered for general admission or merit scholarships—applicants are evaluated primarily on high school GPA. The average admitted student has a GPA around 3.0, with ACT scores historically ranging from 19-25. Applications are due by August 1, and deferred admission is available for those postponing enrollment.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$57,888
Accounting and Related Services$57,318
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions$56,415
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
NIU offers 100+ majors, with standout programs in business (especially accounting and finance) and nursing—the latter boasting a 93% pass rate on licensing exams. Psychology, nursing, and health/medical preparatory programs are among the most popular majors. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, with faculty noted for their accessibility and research opportunities. Students praise the College of Business and College of Nursing as particularly rigorous and career-focused.
Campus life at NIU balances academics with a robust social scene. About 35% of students live on campus, while the majority commute. Greek life, marching band, and clubs are key avenues for connection, with students noting that involvement is crucial to building a social network. The recreation center and volunteer opportunities are also popular. While the party scene exists, it’s not overwhelming—students describe a ‘work-hard, play-hard’ vibe, with easy access to Chicago for weekend getaways.
NIU’s 4-year graduation rate is 29%, rising to 57% at 6 years. Alumni median earnings are $36,427 one year post-graduation and $46,113 after six years, with some reports citing mid-career averages of $57,808. Notably, 36% of students graduate debt-free, and 91% secure a first destination (employment or further education) shortly after graduating. The university’s career services highlight strong regional employer connections, particularly in business and healthcare.
NIU’s Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. varies widely based on financial need, but 97% of first-year students receive grants or scholarships, with an average award of $5,742. The university’s net price calculator helps estimate costs, which are notably lower than many private institutions. Tuition is competitive for in-state students, and the school emphasizes affordability—over a third of graduates leave with no debt.
NIU’s test-free admissions and high acceptance rate make it accessible, while its strong business and nursing programs deliver solid ROI. The campus culture is active but not overwhelming, with a focus on involvement (clubs, Greek life, rec sports) and proximity to Chicago. For students seeking a low-debt path to a respected degree—especially in the Midwest—NIU strikes a rare balance of affordability, academic quality, and a lively student experience.
Northern Illinois University logo · sourceNorthern Illinois University | Your Future. Our Focus. · sourceNorthern Illinois University | Your Future. Our Focus. · sourceNorthern Illinois University | Your Future. Our Focus. · source
