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Northern Illinois University

Undergraduate Admissions

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Apply to NIU

The application for all 2010 semesters is now available online.

Three ways to apply:

  1. Online 2010 Application* 
  2. View and Print a 2010 Paper Application  
  3. Request a Paper Application: If you are unable to view and print the paper application and would like to receive one by mail, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@niu.edu or call (815) 753-0446 (toll free 800-892-3050)

*preferred method

Complete Application Files are Required for Admissions Decisions.

Complete applications are those files which contain:

  1. Official high school transcripts 
  2. Official ACT or SAT scores 
  3. Completed application for undergraduate admission
  4. $30 application fee or a completed qualified NIU Application Fee Waiver form (Only currently enrolled high school students may be considered for the qualified application fee waiver) .
  5. Any additional required supporting documents.
  6. An optional Personal Statement, with applicant identification as used on your application (full legal name, address, email address, phone number, date, NIU semester desired ), may be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions by mail or e-mail to become part of an application file if desired.
  7. Letters of Recommendation are not required for application to NIU.  However, they may be submitted by mail only, with applicant identification (full legal name, address, email address, phone number, date, NIU semester desired),  to be placed into an application file for record.
  8. Personal Statement or Letters of Recommendation formats should follow your high school college guidance counselor's recommendations and be no more than one or two pages in maximum length.

You should inform your high school guidance counselor that you have applied to NIU. They can assist with ordering official ACT/SAT test scores and transcripts in support of your application.

Application Fee Waiver

To be considered for an application fee waiver, you must be currently enrolled in high school and submit an NIU Application Fee Waiver Form or a letter from your high school counselor or social worker describing your economic circumstances.

Application Processing Time

Current application processing time for complete freshmen applications is estimated to require a minimum of three to four weeks from receipt of all required documents. Processing times may vary during peak processing periods.

Learn to Monitor Your Application Status Online from Application to Final Decision!

Types of Applicants

Applicants will be considered for admission to the university if they meet the requirements specified under any of the following headings:

  • Freshmen
  • Transfer Students
  • Illinois Public Community College Graduates
  • International Students
  • Postbaccalaureate Students
  • Nongraduated Secondary School Students
  • Re-entering Students 
  • Visiting Students

More information on types of applicants is available in the Undergraduate Catalog.

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