What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

I have learned a lot of things about myself from my college experience. I learned that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I have gotten leadership skills. I became more outgoing and social. I was a shy person before but now I am the one who asks more questions in class and I am involved in a few activites on campus. I also learned to rely on myself and not on my parents since I live on campus. I am confident in myself and my abilities.

Describe the students at your school.

Diverse, friendly, and willing to help each other.

What's unique about your campus?

I really enjoy the people I attend classes with, work with, and study under. People are very caring.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

The diversity here and how intelligent the teachers and staff are.

What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

I think that the worst thing about my school is trying to get into many of the required classes. There are often only one or two of each class offered and it is difficult to get those spaces.

Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

my school requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

What kind of person should attend this school?

Anyone can attend this school and be successful as long as they are not lazy and have the desire to do well. there is truly something for everyone as long as they are disciplined.

What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

I wish I had known that this is a "backpack" school; meaning most students go home on the weekends. It is important that if you plan on staying on campus during the weekends that you find a group to get involved with, otherwise the only options for fun are the bars.

What kind of person should not attend this school?

People that like to go out and party a lot shouldn't go to Northern Illinois University.

Describe your favorite campus traditions.

Northern Illinois University is known for the value of its Law School. Its outstanding value in other academic areas, and the closeness of the community between the faculty and the students. Another thing is that NIU student stick together.

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

This school is very diversite fill with people who came from another countries. So far, there are welcoming and kind.

What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

There was a lack of parking by classes for general education.

What is your overall opinion of this school?

Like any other college, NIU has its problems. The biggest ones that stand out to me are the scams, recreation center, student employment, and campus safety. With all of the problems affecting every student, there is still a high amount of pride among fellow huskies. I personally hated my first semester here but after meeting new people I ended up loving it. The students are what make this school and you have to be social to truly enjoy attending NIU.

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

There is a stereotype that Northern Illinois is the "Dirty D" and you have to watch your back on campus. This is false. There are incidences that the media covers but what they don't emphasize on is that they are incidences with people that know each other, and 9 times out of ten they are not even students of NIU. Im a white 21 year old female and I see DeKalb as my home. I am comfortable here and don't ever feel unsafe on campus.

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

NIU does a great job at keeping many activities available to students. Every week an email goes out to all students informing them of that weeks events including their times and location. Greek life is a big thing with younger students but older students tend to avoid it. Generally partying is on the weekends although it is not uncome for weekday parties to occur. Dating has taken a step in the new age on a site known as collegejunkee.com.

What are the academics like at your school?

During my two years here, I have only had one professor that I had problems with. Every other professor I had has been amazing and truly what any student would look for in a college professor. ;

Tell us about your professors.

I have had quite a few memorable professors in my two years here. Only one has had a negative impact on my experience with the professors but the good ones easily make up for that. Many take the time to get to know your name and will go out of their way to help you.

Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

You can't take on persons opinion on this matter and it is best to come for a visit (non tour) and find out for yourself. But for the most part I would say its true.

What is the stereotype of students at your school?

Students here are thought to be many things. Like any other campus in the United States, you have greek, geek, partier, broke, pretty much everything.

Tell us about the food and dining options.

The food on and around campus that are not part of NIU's dining plan are good for the most part. Wide variety, decent prices and good hours. As for dining, it is always good to remember "if you dont use it, you lose it". By this I mean if you do not spend your weekly amount on your food plan, the money will just be taken from you anyways. The best dining food is at stevenson which can be a long walk if you live at neptune which is the worst dorm when it comes to food. The other dorms fall right in between for their dining options.

Northern Illinois University

About Northern Illinois University

Founded in 1895, Northern Illinois University. is a Public college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 14,079 full time undergraduate students, and 4,936 full time graduate students.

The Northern Illinois University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 824 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Northern Illinois University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate	51%
Application Deadline
Application Fee	40
SAT Range	900-1120
ACT Range	19-25

Admissions at NIU are considered Selective, with ,75% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 12 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

70% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 33% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Northern Illinois University.

“We”re apathetic”

24%

“We know about current events and vote”

68%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

24%

“Sometimes, but not often”

52%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

19%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

22%

“I only go out in groups”

43%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

30%

“I feel extremely safe”

18%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

30%

“We bought the gear”

51%

“We live for the big game”

12%

“It”s not really our thing”

24%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

49%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

16%

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

53%

“They keep regular office hours”

45%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

12%

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

78%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

“We”re not into drinking at all”

24%

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

33%

“We only party on weekends”

36%

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

13%

“Never, we”re here to learn”

48%

“There might be people who do”

32%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

“We”re apathetic”

24%

“We know about current events and vote”

68%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

24%

“Sometimes, but not often”

52%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

19%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

22%

“I only go out in groups”

43%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

30%

“I feel extremely safe”

18%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

30%

“We bought the gear”

51%

“We live for the big game”

12%

“It”s not really our thing”

24%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

49%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

16%

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

53%

“They keep regular office hours”

45%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

12%

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

78%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

“We”re not into drinking at all”

24%

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

33%

“We only party on weekends”

36%

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

13%

“Never, we”re here to learn”

48%

“There might be people who do”

32%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

How would you rate on-campus housing?

213 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?

173 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?

228 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?

242 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?

243 Students rated class size 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?

241 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?

240 Students rated local services 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?

243 Students rated academics 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

Northern Illinois University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Northern Illinois University?

88 Students rated Northern Illinois University

Julian - 03/21/2023

Northern Illinois University is a opportunity that welcomes all backgrounds, and will support you on your journey. I'm attending NIU as a transfer student with the pursuit of an Art History degree; I've never felt more confident on my journey since my being accepted.

Skylee - 01/18/2023

So far, I love where I am and I like the school. It feels like it is where I am meant to be right now. This has what I need for my career and the teachers and staff can help me with most things and are usually very understanding. I like where I am right now.

Caniya - 12/20/2022

The overall experience at Northern will be exactly what you make it. If you are very social this will be fairly easy for you. In my personal experience I am involved on campus, but I do tend to stay to myself. My reason being the fact that most students already have their affiliations. The best part about attending NIU is the advising department. If I did not have my advisor I would literally be nothing.

Jeovanny - 12/15/2022

my opinion on northern Illinois, it seems like an excellent school and overall very well spoken about. the campus was great, and the classes were great but the only thing I do know I really like is the rooms. the rooms weren't the best, maybe a little bigger but I will probably live off campus. but the environment is pretty good so far

Northern Illinois University FAQS

What is the Acceptance Rate at Northern Illinois University?

The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Northern Illinois University is 51%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

I have learned a lot of things about myself from my college experience. I learned that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I have gotten leadership skills. I became more outgoing and social. I was a shy person before but now I am the one who asks more questions in class and I am involved in a few activites on campus. I also learned to rely on myself and not on my parents since I live on campus. I am confident in myself and my abilities.
Read all 299 answers
Describe the students at your school.

Diverse, friendly, and willing to help each other.
Read all 63 answers
What's unique about your campus?

I really enjoy the people I attend classes with, work with, and study under. People are very caring.
Read all 55 answers
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

The diversity here and how intelligent the teachers and staff are.
Read all 52 answers
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

I think that the worst thing about my school is trying to get into many of the required classes. There are often only one or two of each class offered and it is difficult to get those spaces.
Read all 51 answers
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

my school requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
Read all 50 answers
What kind of person should attend this school?

Anyone can attend this school and be successful as long as they are not lazy and have the desire to do well. there is truly something for everyone as long as they are disciplined.
Read all 47 answers
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

I wish I had known that this is a "backpack" school; meaning most students go home on the weekends. It is important that if you plan on staying on campus during the weekends that you find a group to get involved with, otherwise the only options for fun are the bars.
Read all 45 answers
What kind of person should not attend this school?

People that like to go out and party a lot shouldn't go to Northern Illinois University.
Read all 44 answers
Describe your favorite campus traditions.

Northern Illinois University is known for the value of its Law School. Its outstanding value in other academic areas, and the closeness of the community between the faculty and the students. Another thing is that NIU student stick together.
Read all 36 answers
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

This school is very diversite fill with people who came from another countries. So far, there are welcoming and kind.
Read all 36 answers
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

There was a lack of parking by classes for general education.
Read all 32 answers
What is your overall opinion of this school?

Like any other college, NIU has its problems. The biggest ones that stand out to me are the scams, recreation center, student employment, and campus safety. With all of the problems affecting every student, there is still a high amount of pride among fellow huskies. I personally hated my first semester here but after meeting new people I ended up loving it. The students are what make this school and you have to be social to truly enjoy attending NIU.
Read all 6 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

There is a stereotype that Northern Illinois is the "Dirty D" and you have to watch your back on campus. This is false. There are incidences that the media covers but what they don't emphasize on is that they are incidences with people that know each other, and 9 times out of ten they are not even students of NIU. Im a white 21 year old female and I see DeKalb as my home. I am comfortable here and don't ever feel unsafe on campus.
Read all 6 answers
What are the most popular student activities/groups?

NIU does a great job at keeping many activities available to students. Every week an email goes out to all students informing them of that weeks events including their times and location. Greek life is a big thing with younger students but older students tend to avoid it. Generally partying is on the weekends although it is not uncome for weekday parties to occur. Dating has taken a step in the new age on a site known as collegejunkee.com.
Read all 3 answers
What are the academics like at your school?

During my two years here, I have only had one professor that I had problems with. Every other professor I had has been amazing and truly what any student would look for in a college professor. ;
Read all 3 answers
Tell us about your professors.

I have had quite a few memorable professors in my two years here. Only one has had a negative impact on my experience with the professors but the good ones easily make up for that. Many take the time to get to know your name and will go out of their way to help you.
Read all 2 answers
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

You can't take on persons opinion on this matter and it is best to come for a visit (non tour) and find out for yourself. But for the most part I would say its true.
Read all 2 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school?

Students here are thought to be many things. Like any other campus in the United States, you have greek, geek, partier, broke, pretty much everything.
Read all 1 answers
Tell us about the food and dining options.

The food on and around campus that are not part of NIU's dining plan are good for the most part. Wide variety, decent prices and good hours. As for dining, it is always good to remember "if you dont use it, you lose it". By this I mean if you do not spend your weekly amount on your food plan, the money will just be taken from you anyways. The best dining food is at stevenson which can be a long walk if you live at neptune which is the worst dorm when it comes to food. The other dorms fall right in between for their dining options.
Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

49%

female

51%

male

14,079

Total Undergrad Enrollment

4,936

Total Grad Students

Out-Of-State

95%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

200

Student Organizations

Fraternities

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

26%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native

N/A

% Asian/Pacific Islander

% Black or African-American

16%

% Hispanic/Latino

17%

% White or Caucasian

56%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

96% of students attending Northern Illinois University receive some sort of financial aid. 48% were awarded federal grants. While 70% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

$23,670

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,400

Books and Supplies

$10,776

Room and Board

35,846

Total On Campus

Family Income

Cost

$0 - $30K

$17,643

$30 - $48K

$17,828

$48 - $75K

$19,488

$75 - $110K

$22,151

$110K & UP

$24,362

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb IL , 60115-2828

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