Northern Illinois University
About Northern Illinois University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northern Illinois University is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, about 65 miles west of Chicago. It offers programs in business, engineering, education, and health sciences.
Founded
1895
Location
Dekalb, Illinois
Students
15,367
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
69.8%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
48.7%
Below national average
Tuition
$13,248
Per year
Avg Net Price
$13,391
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$57,808
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
69.8 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 69.8% acceptance rate, Northern Illinois University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
69.6%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.2%
$/Student
$14.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 69.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,248
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,160
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,851
After Financial Aid
$13,391
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,126
Receive Grants
47.3%
Take Loans
46.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $28,851/yr, including $14,160 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,391.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northern Illinois University fund their education.
While in School
47.3%
Get Grants
Free money
46.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$39,109
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,162
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$235/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,162 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northern Illinois University.
Gender
53%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
11,301
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,066
Graduates
38.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
9.8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 38.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Small
Campus Quick Facts
11,301
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northern Illinois University fields 13 varsity teams with 491 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mid-American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
491
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
285
Men
206
Women
7
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northern Illinois Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$57,808
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$33K
211 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$76K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$44K
146 grads
1yr Earnings
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
$32K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$51K
119 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$77K
110 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern Illinois University
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Illinois University?▾
How much does Northern Illinois University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northern Illinois University?▾
How much do Northern Illinois University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.