Northern Illinois University is a public research university in DeKaIb, Illinois, USA. It was founded in 1895 as “Northern Illinois State Normal School”, initially to provide the state with college-educated teachers.
In addition to the main campus in DeKalb, it has satellite centers in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois. Northern Illinois University is composed of 7 degree-granting colleges including business, education, engineering and engineering technology, health and human sciences, law, liberal arts, and visual and performing arts. These 7 colleges are then organized further into 42 schools and departments. Through these colleges and schools, Northern Illinois University provides a total of 174 academic degree programs.
In the Fall 2024 academic year, for which the latest official data is available, total student enrollment at Northern Illinois University was 15,415 including 11,349 undergraduate students, 3,728 graduate students and 338 College of Law students. Out of this number, 972 were international students, and nearly 1,000 were from out-of-state.
- Northern Illinois University Ranking
- Northern Illinois University Campus
2.1 Northern Illinois University Accommodation
- Northern Illinois University Popular Programs
- Northern Illinois University Application Process
4.1 Admission Requirements for Graduate courses
4.2 Admission Requirements for MBA
4.3 Admission Requirements for Undergraduate courses
- Northern Illinois University Application Deadlines
- Northern Illinois University Cost of Attendance
6.1 NIU 2024-2025 Graduate Cost of Attendance
6.2 NIU 2025-26 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
- Northern Illinois University Scholarships
- Northern Illinois University Placements
- FAQs
Northern Illinois University Ranking
As per the US News & World Report, Northern Illinois University is ranked:
- #273 in Best Colleges in National Universities 2025
- #190 for its Online MBA program
- #4 for its Master of Public Administration program
- #11 in the field of Public Finance and Budgeting
- #61 for its Public Affairs program
Other rankings include:
| Ranking Body | Index/Report | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Times Higher Education | World University Rankings 2025 | 801-1000 |
| QS Ranking | Sustainability Ranking 2025 | #1501 |
Also check: Northern Illinois University vs University of Alabama
Northern Illinois University Campus
- Northern Illinois University has its main campus in DeKalb, and 4 other campuses in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford and Oregon, Illinois. The main campus consists of a lush land of 800 acres.
- The university has 7 degree-granting colleges spread out across these 5 campuses. These colleges are those of Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts, and Visual and Performing Arts.
- The University has its own sports club which is open to all fee-paying students. Sports including Archery, Bowling, Swimming, Ice Hockey, Tennis and Volleyball can be played here for recreational purposes.
- NIU also has an extensive dining area with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes including Starbucks and Qdoba. It also helps students make informed meal-planning decisions by providing nutritional and allergen information for the food served.
- There are more than 300 student organizations registered with the Student Government Organization. These student groups vary from Community Service, Diversity and Culture to Politics and Military.
- The safety and wellness of students is a priority on campus. Hence, centers such as Cultural Resources Center, Campus Child Care, University Police and Public Safety, and Disability Resource Centre operate on campus.
Northern Illinois University Accommodation
NIU’s residence halls house over 3,500 NIU students each year. Living on campus provides many opportunities for students to meet people from different cultures, countries and ethnic backgrounds. When students live in an NIU residence hall, they have the ability to quickly become a comfortable, full-fledged member of the NIU community.
- The university comprises of 6 Residence Halls - Gilbert Hall, Fanny Ruth Patterson Complex(Patterson Hall), Grant Towers, Stevenson Towers, Neptune Hall, Northern View Community
- Types of rooms available: Double room, Suite with bathroom, Suite without bathroom, Single room
- Features of the halls: Mixed coed floors, privacy-enhanced shared bathrooms, in-hall laundry rooms, 24-hour secure hall access, wifi, HD cable Tv, A.C., Elevators in some areas, public computer workstations, and anywhere printing.
- Rates: The rates of the halls vary from $6,485 (₹5,56,096) for Double rooms to $7,999 (₹6,85,923) for Single rooms.
Also check: Student Accommodation in the USA: A Guide for Indian Students
Northern Illinois University Popular Programs
Northern Illinois University provides a total of 174 academic degree programs, including 89 bachelor’s programs, 58 master’s programs and 27 doctoral programs, through its 7 colleges and their respective schools and departments.
Some of the popular programs at Northern Illinois University for international students are mentioned below:
| Program Name |
Tuition Fees (in USD) |
Tuition Fees (in INR) |
Campus | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration M.B.A. | 39,000 | 33,41,301 |
Chicago DeKalb Naperville Schaumburg |
College of Business |
| Executive M.B.A. [E.M.B.A.] | 60,000 | 51,40,464 | Naperville | College of Business |
| M.S Management Information Systems | 31,591 | 27,06,539 | DeKalb | College of Business |
| M.S. Finance | 28,626 | 24,52,515 | DeKalb | College of Business |
| M.S Computer Science | 27,720 | 23,74,894 | DeKalb | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| M.S Biological Sciences | 31,020 | 26,576,19 | DeKalb | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| M.S Nutrition and Dietetics | 31,020 | 26,57,619 | DeKalb | College of Health and Human Sciences |
Northern Illinois University Application Process
Northern Illinois University requires international students to submit a number of documents along with the application. These documents vary among programs across undergraduate and graduate courses. Some programs may require additional documents, such as writing samples, test scores, and resumes.
The application fee for international students is $60 (₹ 5,140).
Admission Requirements for Graduate courses
Northern Illinois University offers more than 80 graduate degree programs across 6 colleges - business, health and human sciences, education, liberal arts and sciences, visual and performing arts, and engineering and engineering technology. The eligibility criteria and the documents needed to be submitted are mostly the same for all programs, save a few. These have been mentioned below:
Eligibility criteria:
- 4-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution like UGC
- 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale
Documents required:
- Individual Marksheets, as well as degree certificates (if available), all attested by the principle, controller of exams or registrar
- Letters of recommendation, providing the names and email addresses of recommenders
- Statement of purpose - in at least 500 words describing the preparation, goals and personal journey
* The above 3 documents need to be submitted in both the native/original and English languages.
- English proficiency test scores (any 1 of the following):
* Upon admission, the English proficiency test scores need to be sent to the NIU testing centre(except Duolingo, which can be sent directly through the website)
Certain graduate programs like M.S. Computer Science, M.S. Biological Sciences, M.S. Finance, and M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics required additional eligibility and documents, as mentioned below:
| Program | Additional eligibility and documents required |
|---|---|
| M. S. Computer Science |
Resume or CV B.S. or B.A. degree in computer science or any closely related field Test scores of all sections of GRE taken in the last 5 years |
| M.S. Finance | A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (at least 15 semester hours in Finance or department approval) |
| M.S. Biological Sciences | GRE Biology (Subject exam), along with GRE (general exam) |
| M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics |
2.75 GPA in the below mentioned subjects: General Chemistry (with lab) Biochemistry General or Cellular Biology Human anatomy and physiology Nutrition Statistics *International students can only apply for Fall semesters |
Admission Requirements for MBA
Northern Illinois University offers the MBA program in 4 formats - Executive MBA (EMBA), One-year MBA, Global MBA, and Online MBA. Each of these programs have different term duration as mentioned in the table below:
| MBA Format | About | Term duration |
|---|---|---|
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | Weekend classes only | 16 months |
| One-year MBA | Hybrid classes, with 75% online live sessions and 25% offline sessions | 12 months |
| Global MBA |
STEM-designed program. Students with F-1 visa can extend their stay in the US after graduation the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit. |
12 months |
| Online MBA | 100% online and no set meeting times | 16 months |
Along with the eligibility criteria and documents required for all Graduate courses, international students wanting to apply for an MBA program at Northern Illinois University need to meet some additional criteria, which are as follows:
- 3-year BCOM or BBA degree must be from an NAAC-accredited institute with grade A or better (or the equivalent)
- If the 3-year BCOM or BBA degree is received from another institution, permission is required from the respective program of NIU
For Global MBA program, further eligibility criteria are to be met:
- GPA must be from a baccalaureate institution
- Must submit TOEFL test scores - minimum 80
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate courses
Northern Illinois University provides a diverse array of majors, minors, and certificates, which students can customize as per their goals and interests. From traditional on-campus experiences to flexible online options, dual-degree (known as “accelerated programs”)paths to pre-professional programs, NIU offers flexibility and support students need to thrive.
The common eligibility criteria for all undergraduate programs include:
- Visa requirements:
- New or current visa holder
- Pending permanent resident (need to have I-551 stamp on passport to be considered immigrant)
- A student with refugee or asylum status
- Academic requirements:
- Graduated by the time of starting course at NIU
- Passing grade U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores
- Documents required:
- Final secondary school transcripts or exam results - both in original and English languages
- Any one of the following English language proficiency test scores:
- Internet-based TOEFL - 71
- Paper-based TOEFL - 527
- IELTS - 6.0
- PTE - 48
- Duolingo - 105
- IGCSE, GCSE or GCE O-level or A-level English test subject - grade C
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 4 or higher on English A Standard Level exam
- Completion of ELS level 112 for Academic Purpose offered by ELS Language Centers
- Students coming on F-1 visa must also submit proof of financial stability to receive immigration documents
Northern Illinois University Application Deadlines
Northern Illinois University conducts 3 semesters per academic year - Spring, Summer and Fall. For the 2025 academic year, the Summer and Spring semesters applications are closed, while that of Fall will be opening on October 1, 2025.
Note: International students seeking student visas are not eligible to apply for summer term. However, visiting students and those who will be taking online courses are eligible to apply.
Below is a list of deadlines for all the 3 semesters:
| Semester | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | May 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Spring | October 1, 2025 |
| Summer | May 15, 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: The deadlines remain the same for undergraduate and graduate courses and across their respective programs. However, these may be subject to change at the discretion of the University.
Northern Illinois University Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is the average educationally-related costs a student may incur during their period of enrollment (semester or year). Cost of attendance includes tuition and fee costs, as well as allowances for the cost of books, course materials, supplies, and equipment, transportation, living expenses and miscellaneous personal expenses.
NIU 2024-2025 Graduate Cost of Attendance
| Standard rate for 6 credit hours | Standard rate for 9 credit hours | Standard rate for 12 credit hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
$6,116 (₹5,23,969) |
$9,174 (₹7,85,954) |
$12,234 (₹10,48,110) |
| Federal Student Loan Fees (if borrowed) |
$176 (₹15,078) |
$176 (₹15,078) |
$176 (₹15,078) |
| Living expenses |
$15,446 (₹13,23,288) |
$15,446 (₹13,23,288) |
$15,446 (₹13,23,288) |
| Books, supplies, Course materials and Equipment |
$600 (₹51,403) |
$900 (₹77,104) |
$1,200 (₹1,02,806) |
| Transportation |
$3,268 (₹2,79,975) |
$3,268 (₹2,79,975) |
$3,268 (₹2,79,975) |
| Miscellaneous/personal expenses |
$2,368 (₹2,02,871) |
$2,368 (₹2,02,871) |
$2,368 (₹2,02,871) |
| Total |
$27,974 (₹23,96,585) |
$31,332 (₹26,84,271) |
$34,692 (₹29,72,129) |
NIU 2025-26 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
| Category of expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$10,742 (₹9,20,287) |
| Living expenses |
$14,680 (₹12,57,663) |
| Transportation |
$1,140 (₹97,665) |
| Books, supplies, course materials & equipment |
$1,200 (₹1,02,806) |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses |
$1,600 (₹1,37,075) |
| Total |
$32,484 (₹27,82,966) |
Also check: Cost of Studying in the USA
Northern Illinois University Scholarships
Northern Illinois University provides various scholarships to international students who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate courses. Once the student is admitted to the university as a freshman or transfer student, he/she can be considered for either a merit or housing scholarship.
The student has to apply for the International Student Merit Scholarship from the Office of International Admissions of the university.
Below are some of the scholarships that Northern Illinois University provides to international students and their respective eligibility criteria and award:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| International Freshman Merit Scholarship | 3.5 CGPA on a scale of 4.0 |
Varies from $5,000 (₹4,28,495) to $9,000 (₹7,71,291) per academic year |
| International Transfer Merit Scholarship | 3.5 CGPA on a scale of 4.0 |
$5,000 (₹4,28,495) per academic year |
| Housing Scholarship |
2.75 CGPA on a scale of 4.0 Neptune Hall resident in 1st academic year |
$3,600 (₹3,08,516) per year towards on-campus room costs and does not cover the cost of a meal plan. |
Also check: Scholarships for Indian Students in USA
Northern Illinois University Placements
An Northern Illinois University has good career outcomes, with
- average alumni annual salary (with bachelor’s degree or higher) at $92,248 and
- average young alumni annual salary (less than 35 years old with bachelor’s degree or higher) at $67,520
Other than this, official data shows:
- Northern Illinois University Bachelor’s degree holders earn $2.8 million over their careers
- The median salary for Northern Illinois University bachelor’s degree holders aged 25-34 is $59,913 nationally, and NIU graduates in the similar age group average $72,346
- 36% of NIU students graduate debt-free
Moreover, the top skills have been - Business process research, Customer service, Leadership and Management. The top job titles are - Account executive, Account Manager, CEO, and the top employers are - Abbott, AbbVie, Allstate, Amazon.
This shows Northern Illinois University’s credibility in preparing students for successful careers and opening to them doors to higher earning potential.
Besides academic life, Northern Illinois University has over 200 student organizations, including cultural and identity groups, performing arts and media, sports and recreation. The university also provides fun adventures, from local activities to team building. With more than 700 active student participants, the various sport clubs are a great way for students to get some exercise, make new friends and gain leadership experience. NIU also provides Counseling and Consulting services for students as well as Academic assistance.
FAQs
Ques. What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Northern Illinois University?
Ans. Northern Illinois University has a faculty strength of 1,164, making the student-to-faculty ratio at an impressive 14:1
Ques. Does Northern Illinois University provide dual degree programs?
Ans. Yes. The accelerated programs of Northern Illinois University are dual degree programs providing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time than it takes to get them separately.
Ques. Do international students not need transcripts to apply for Graduate programs at Northern Illinois University?
Ans. No. Northern Illinois University mentions that students from India and Pakistan must submit individual marksheets attested by principle or the registrar instead of transcripts
Ques. Is there any better affordability option for course materials at Northern Illinois University?
Ans. Yes. Students can either rent physical books or buy digital copies, both of which cost 50%-80% less than new books
Northern Illinois University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 1 year | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 11,772 /Yr | 60 | Duolingo-115, TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE Academic: 53 | |
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) | USD 16,815 /Yr | 60 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80, Duolingo-115, PTE: 53 | - | |
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 15,852 /Yr | 60 | Duolingo-115, TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE Academic - 53 |
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Northern Illinois University comparison
| University Name | Northern Illinois University | Vanderbilt University | Southern Illinois University | University of Alabama | Western Illinois University | Illinois State University |
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| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 71.0 % | 6.3 % | 91.0 % | 76.0 % | 75.0 % | 89.0 % |
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Overall 801 out of 3118 in Global Ranking
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Northern Illinois University Student Profiles
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Northern Illinois University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
3 Reviews Found
Likes
- It is a good college overall. I will surely recommend to anyone.
Campus Life
- Campus Is huge with lots of stuff to do in Uni Campus. Libraries are very big And I think US universities are known for Research, so that goes without Saying. Good Uni For Research.
Fees
- Roughly 50.000$ For Entire Course...but you can get scholarships through Ra, Ga, Ta
Overview
I had applied to two colleges, NIU was my back up as I knew a family friend who went here and loved it. I got into both schools, but I ended up not liking my first choice when I went to orientation. So, I decided to give NIU a try as I received a great scholarship. I did not even receive a scholarship from my first choice. I am very glad I did as I have been able to continue a successful academic career while making some really great friends.
Fees
They have a tuition free per credit for 1-11 credits, but if you take 12+ credits in a semester then their is a flat rate. I have both scholarships and loans. There are merit scholarships available to all applicants (international and local) based on your GPA and ACT scores. I received a merit scholarship of $28,000 over four years as I had a 31 on my ACT and a 4.0 GPA.
Overview
It's close to my home, only an hour drive, and I like the big campus feel. I also thought that it was a decently ranked university and it wouldn't be too challenging for me. I also enjoyed the campus when I visited.
Fees
It was about $200 in additional fees per semester. I also spent around $250 on textbooks each semester.
Northern Illinois University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Northern Illinois University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.niu.edu/apply/index.shtml
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. In the Fall 2024 academic year, for which the latest official data is available, total student enrollment at Northern Illinois University was 15,415 including 11,349 undergraduate students, 3,728 graduate students and 338 College of Law students. Out of this number, 972 were international students, and nearly 1,000 were from out-of-state.
Northern Illinois University is composed of 7 degree-granting colleges including business, education, engineering and engineering technology, health and human sciences, law, liberal arts, and visual and performing arts. These 7 colleges are then organized further into 42 schools and departments. Through these colleges and schools, Northern Illinois University provides a total of 174 academic degree programs.
The tuition fees at Northern Illinois University for international students range from $ 10,491 - $ 53,550 (? 8,98,651 - ? 45,87,055) for undergraduate courses and from $ 27,000 - $ 60,000 (? 23,12,801 - ? 51,39,558) for graduate courses. International students who meet a certain academic requirement, like 2.75 - 3.5 GPA are eligible for scholarships, with amounts ranging from $3,600 (?3,08,373) to $9,000 (?7,70,933). International students are also eligible for graduate assistantship which requires work up to 20 hours a week to receive a tuition waiver and stipend.
- Northern Illinois University Popular Programs
- Northern Illinois University Application Process
2.1 Admission Requirements for Graduate courses
2.2 Admission Requirements for MBA
2.3 Admission Requirements for Undergraduate courses
- Northern Illinois University Application Deadlines
- Northern Illinois University Cost of Attendance
4.1 NIU 2024-2025 Graduate Cost of Attendance
4.2 NIU 2025-2026 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
- FAQs
Northern Illinois University Popular Programs
Northern Illinois University provides a total of 174 academic degree programs, including 89 bachelor’s programs, 58 master’s programs and 27 doctoral programs, through its 7 colleges and their respective schools and departments.
Some of the popular programs at Northern Illinois University for international students are tabulated below:
| Program Name | Tuition Fees(in USD) | Tuition Fees(in INR) | Managing Campus | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration M.B.A. | 39,000 | 33,41,301 |
Chicago DeKalb Naperville Schaumburg |
College of Business |
| Executive M.B.A. [E.M.B.A.] | 60,000 | 51,40,464 | Naperville | College of Business |
| M.S Management Information Systems | 31,591 | 27,06,539 | DeKalb | College of Business |
| M.S. Finance | 28,626 | 24,52,515 | DeKalb | College of Business |
| M.S Computer Science | 27,720 | 23,74,894 | DeKalb | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| M.S Biological Sciences | 31,020 | 26,576,19 | DeKalb | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| M.S Nutrition and Dietetics | 31,020 | 26,57,619 | DeKalb | College of Health and Human Sciences |
Northern Illinois University Application Process
Northern Illinois University requires international students to submit a number of documents along with the application. These documents vary among programs across undergraduate and graduate courses. Some programs may require additional documents, such as writing samples, test scores, and resumes.
The application fee for international students for all courses and programs is $60 (? 5,140).
Admission Requirements for Graduate courses
Northern Illinois University offers more than 80 graduate degree programs across 7 colleges - business, health and human sciences, education, liberal arts and sciences, visual and performing arts, and engineering and engineering technology, and law. The eligibility criteria and the documents needed to be submitted are mostly the same for all programs, save a few. These have been mentioned below:
- Eligibility criteria:
- 4-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution like UGC
- 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent
- Documents required:
- Individual Marksheets, as well as degree certificates (if available), all attested by the principle, controller of exams or registrar
- Letters of recommendation, providing the names and email addresses of recommenders
- Statement of purpose - in at least 500 words describing the preparation, goals and personal journey
* The above 3 documents need to be submitted in both the native/original and English languages.
- English proficiency test scores (any 1 of the following):
* Upon admission, the English proficiency test scores need to be sent to the NIU testing centre (except Duolingo, which can be sent directly through the website)
Certain graduate programs like M.S. Computer Science, M.S. Biological Sciences, M.S. Finance, and M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics required additional eligibility and documents, as mentioned below:
| Program Name | Additional eligibility criteria and documents |
|---|---|
| M. S. Computer Science | Resume or CVB.S. or B.A. degree in computer science or any closely related fieldTest scores of all sections of GRE taken in the last 5 years |
| M.S. Finance | A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (at least 15 semester hours in Finance or department approval) |
| M.S. Biological Sciences | GRE Biology (Subject exam), along with GRE (general exam) |
| M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics | 2.75 GPA in the following subjects:General Chemistry (with lab)BiochemistryGeneral or cellular biologyHuman anatomy and physiologyNutritionStatistics* International students can only apply for Fall semesters |
Admission Requirements for MBA
Northern Illinois University offers the MBA program in 4 formats - Executive MBA (EMBA), One-year MBA, Global MBA, and Online MBA. Each of these programs have different term duration as mentioned in the table below:
| MBA Format | About | Term Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | Weekend classes only | 16 months |
| One-year MBA | Hybrid classes with 75% online live sessions and 25% offline sessions | 12 months |
| Global MBA | STEM-designed program. Students with F-1 visa can extend their stay in the US after graduation under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit. | 12 months |
| Online MBA | 100% online and no set meeting times | 16 months |
Along with the eligibility criteria and documents required for all Graduate courses, international students wanting to apply for an MBA program at Northern Illinois University need to meet some additional criteria, which are as follows:
- 3-year BCOM or BBA degree must be from an NAAC-accredited institution with grade A or better
- If the 3-year BCOM or BBA degree is received from another institution, permission is required from the respective program of NIU
- For Global MBA program, further eligibility criteria are to be met:
- GPA must be from a baccalaureate institution
- TOEFL test scores mandatory - minimum 80
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate courses
Northern Illinois University provides a diverse array of majors, minors, and certificates, which students can customize as per their goals and interests. From traditional on-campus experiences to flexible online options, dual-degree (known as “accelerated programs”) paths to pre-professional programs, NIU offers flexibility and support students need to thrive.
The common eligibility criteria for all undergraduate programs include:
- Visa requirements:
- New or current visa holder
- Pending permanent resident (need to have I-551 stamp on passport to be considered immigrant)
- A student with refugee or asylum status
- Academic requirements:
- Graduated by the time of starting course at NIU
- U.S. C+ average equivalent on all transcripts and/or exam scores
- Documents required:
- Final secondary school transcripts and/or exam results - both in original and English languages
- Any one of the following English language proficiency test scores:
- Internet-based TOEFL - 71
- Paper-based TOEFL - 527
- IELTS - 6.0
- PTE - 48
- Duolingo - 105
- IGCSE, GCSE or GCE O-level or A-level English test subject - grade C
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 4 or higher on English A Standard Level exam
- Completion of ELS level 112 for Academic Purpose offered by ELS Language Centers
- Students coming on F-1 visa must also submit proof of financial stability to receive immigration documents.
Northern Illinois University Application Deadlines
Northern Illinois University conducts 3 semesters per academic year - Spring, Summer and Fall. For the 2025 academic year, the Summer and Spring semesters applications are closed, while that of Fall will be opening on October 1, 2025.
Note: International students seeking student visas are not eligible to apply for summer term. However, visiting students and those who will be taking online courses are eligible to apply.
Below is a list of deadlines for all the 3 semesters:
| Semester | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | May 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Spring | October 1, 2025 |
| Summer | May 15, 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: The deadlines remain the same for undergraduate and graduate courses and across their respective programs. However, these may be subject to change at the discretion of the University.
Northern Illinois University Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is the average educationally-related costs a student may incur during their period of enrollment (semester or year). Cost of attendance includes tuition and fee costs, as well as allowances for the cost of books, course materials, supplies, and equipment, transportation, living expenses and miscellaneous personal expenses.
NIU 2024-2025 Graduate Cost of Attendance
| Standard rate for 6 credit hours | Standard rate for 9 credit hours | Standard rate for 12 credit hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
$6,116 (?5,23,969) |
$9,174(?7,85,954) | $12,234(?10,48,110) |
| Federal Student Loan Fees (if borrowed) |
$176 (?15,078) |
$176 (?15,078) |
$176 (?15,078) |
| Living expenses |
$15,446 (?13,23,288) |
$15,446 (?13,23,288) |
$15,446 (?13,23,288) |
| Books, supplies, Course materials and Equipment |
$600 (?51,403) |
$900 (?77,104) |
$1,200 (?1,02,806) |
| Transportation |
$3,268 (?2,79,975) |
$3,268 (?2,79,975) |
$3,268 (?2,79,975) |
| Miscellaneous/personal expenses |
$2,368 (?2,02,871) |
$2,368 (?2,02,871) |
$2,368 (?2,02,871) |
| Total |
$27,974 (?23,96,585) |
$31,332 (?26,84,271) |
$34,692 (?29,72,129) |
NIU 2025-2026 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
| Category of expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$10,742 (?9,20,287) |
| Living expenses |
$14,680 (?12,57,663) |
| Transportation |
$1,140 (?97,665) |
| Books, supplies, course materials & equipment |
$1,200 (?1,02,806) |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses |
$1,600 (?1,37,075) |
| Total |
$32,484 (?27,82,966) |
Also check: Cost of Studying in USA
The admission policy of Northern Illinois University is selective but, with the right preparation and dedication, students can easily secure a seat in the program of their choice.
FAQs
Ques. Is it difficult to get into Northern Illinois University?
Ans. For every 100 applicants to Northern Illinois University, 70-71 students are selected. So the selection process is moderately strict, but with the right preparation, students can easily secure admission.
Ques. Is there an interview round as part of the selection process of Northern Illinois University?
Ans. No. Northern Illinois University does not mention any interview round during the selection process.
Ques. Does Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores of international students?
Ans. No. International students seeking admission to Northern Illinois University are only evaluated based on high school (for undergraduate) and bachelor’s (for graduate) GPA and work experience, if any.
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Northern Illinois University Campuses, Schools & Faculties
Northern Illinois University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14580 | 10467 | 4113 | 1319 |
Northern Illinois University Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Book Store
- Shopping Mall
- Pharmacy
- Airport
Book Store
Pharmacy
Shopping Mall
Airport
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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