Northern Illinois University Admissions 2022

  • Enrollments: Northern Illinois University has a total student enrollment of 16,234, out of which 11,834 students have enrolled in undergraduate programs and 4,079 in graduate programs. Apart from this, 321 students are enrolled in the College of Law. 
  • Application Process: The application process begins with an online application with a fee of 40 USD for undergraduate programs and 60 USD for graduate programs at NIU. 
  • Admission Requirements: The average GPA required for students to enroll in programs is 3/4 (83%-86%). The average SAT score required is 990-1140 and ACT score is 23-24. 
  • International Student Requirements: International Students are required to submit a minimum of 71 in TOEFL for undergraduate programs and 80 for graduate programs. 

Highlights

Application Portal UG: NIU Undergraduate
PG: NIU Graduate admission portal
Application Fee Undergraduate – 40 USD
Graduate – 60 USD
Average GPA range 2.5-3 or above (80% above)
Average SAT score 990-1140 or above
Average ACT score 23-24 or above
Mode of Payment VISA, Discover card or Mastercard
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Intake seasons Fall, Spring, Summer
Financial Aid Grants, Loans, Scholarships, Federal Student Aid
International Admissions NIU International

Northern Illinois University Admission Deadlines

Northern Illinois University welcomes fresh applications for undergraduate and graduate programs during the Fall and Spring semesters every year. The application deadlines for international students are as follows:
Semester UG Deadline PG Deadline
Fall August 1 March 15
Summer May 15 -
Spring December 1 September 15

Northern Illinois University International Student Admissions

The admission process for domestic and international students is both conducted online. However, international students have additional requirements and must be careful with their visa process so as to complete it in time. Northern Illinois University requires the following from its international applicants:
Non-refundable admission fee:

  • 40 USD for undergraduate students
  • 60 USD for graduate students

Admission Requirements for International Students:

  • Official transcripts
    • High school transcripts inclusive of grades from the last three years with a GPA of 2.5/ 4.0 (73%-76%)
    • All previous college/university transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.75 for graduate applicants 
  • Official standardised exam scores sent directly from testing institutions
    • ACT or SAT exam results are required for most courses
    • GRE/GMAT exam scores may be needed as per program requirements.
  • Proof of English proficiency for all students (TOEFL or IELTS, both accepted)

English Proficiency Test Score for International Students

International applicants can submit the TOEFL and/or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum required scores by the university are given below. However, applicants must note that several departments may have different score requirements.

Test Minimum required score (Undergraduate) Minimum required score (Graduate)
TOEFL 71 80
IELTS 6.0 6.5
PTE 48 53

US Visa for International Students

If offered admission by Northern Illinois University, international students will be required to obtain a student visa to study in the US.

  • International applicants shall be issued Form I-20 from the university.
  • Applicants must provide the following documents to receive the I-20 Form:
    • Copy of passport
    • Proof of financial support (Affidavit and Bank Statement)
  • The I-20 must be completed with accurate information.
  • Students have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the receipt for the interview.
  • Applicants then need to apply for the F-1 visa, submit the form and make the required payment.
  • Finally, students have to attend the scheduled interview. 

Also Check: US Visa Interview Questions!

Northern Illinois University Undergraduate Admissions

NIU offers about 60 under-graduate courses to its applicants. The university offers a list of options to opt as majors and minors like Anthropology, Arts, History, Physics, Biology. The basic admission process for most undergraduate courses at Northern Illinois University is the same.
Where to Apply: NIU Application
Application Fee: No application fee
Admission Requirements: 

  • Completed application form
  • High school diploma
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for guaranteed general admission
  • SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission 
  • Proof of English language proficiency (for international students)

Northern Illinois University Graduate Admissions

Around 80 graduate courses are on offer at NIU. While the specific requirements may vary for each program, the general admission requirements remain the same. Admissions requirements for graduate programs at Northern Illinois University are:
Application Portal: NIU Graduate Portal
Application Fee: 60 USD
Academic Requirements

Some of the course-specific admission requirements are:

Course Academic Requirements Min. English Language Proficiency Scores.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Two letters of recommendation; GMAT scores; Statement of purpose TOEFL- 80(Internet);
550 (Paper) &IELTS- 6.5
Master of Computer Science Two letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose; GRE scores TOEFL-80(Internet); 550 (Paper) &IELTS- 6.5
M.S. in Electrical Engineering  Two letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose;
GRE scores; Be registered with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS)		 TOEFL-80(Internet); 550 (Paper) &IELTS- 6.5
Master of Economics Letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose;
GRE Scores; Resume or curriculum vitae (optional).		 TOEFL-80(Internet); 550 (Paper) & IELTS- 6.5
M.S. Ed in Instructional Technology GPA-¾ (83%-86%); GRE, MAT or GMAT Scores;
Two letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose		 TOEFL-80(Internet);550 (Paper) & IELTS- 6.5
M.S. in Data Analysis GRE or GMAT Scores; Two letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose; Resume or curriculum vitae (optional). TOEFL-80(Internet); 550 (Paper) &IELTS- 6.5

The admission policy of the university is selective. Applicants are suggested to apply with higher SAT/ACT scores and GPA. Applications are processed within 4-6 weeks of receipt of documents and applications. Admissions at Northern Illinois University are however, not guaranteed by meeting minimum eligibility requirements.

FAQs

Ques. Does removing the test score requirement mean that Northern Illinois University is lowering the admission criteria?

Ans. No. It is just that Northern Illinois University has shifted its focus from test scores to GPA and other factors. Before the test-blind policy was implemented, the minimum high school GPA requirement was 2.5 which has now increased to 3.0 in the new policy.

Ques. What if I do not meet the minimum GPA requirements?

Ans. Applicants whose GPA is below 3.0 will still be considered for admission through a holistic review process. The University will consider the applicant’s circumstances for evaluation.

Ques. Will Northern Illinois University consider test scores if I submit them?

Ans. Even if you decide ACT/ SAT scores to the university, it will not be reviewed for the admission process. The scores will be added to your file for reference in the future.

Ques. Do I need to submit letters of recommendation and personal statements for admissions to undergraduate programs?

Ans. No. The Northern Illinois University does not ask for letters of recommendation or personal statements for admission to undergraduate programs. But it may be required for admission to some graduate programs.

Ques. How long will it take to process the application?

Ans. After the completion of the admission process, the NIU will take 4 to 6 weeks from the time of receipt depending on the bulk of applications received.