About NIU
Welcome to NIU
At NIU, we blend academic excellence with Midwestern authenticity. Our vibrant campus community thrives on the rich diversity of perspectives, experiences and ideas that each member brings, creating an environment where innovation flourishes and everyone can excel.
We've grown from our founding as a teachers college into a premier research institution, balancing academic excellence with personal attention to every student's unique journey. Our campus pulses with possibilities, from research labs where students from all backgrounds work alongside faculty to performance spaces showcasing diverse artistic voices. Division I athletics, intimate learning communities and every perspective in between enrich the experience.
What makes NIU special is how we bring it all together: rigorous academics, hands-on research opportunities and an unwavering commitment to student success, all delivered with genuine Huskie hospitality in an environment where everyone belongs.
History, Leadership and Values
Chartered in 1895, NIU opened in 1899 as Northern Illinois State Normal School, a teachers college that would evolve into today's comprehensive research university. Under the leadership of Dr. Lisa C. Freeman and the senior leadership team, and governed by our Board of Trustees, NIU continues to adapt and grow to meet the changing needs of our society.
Our goal remains constant: to advance social mobility, help people grow and succeed, and bring about positive change in the world.
To mark NIU's 125th anniversary in 2020, our campus community came together to create three lasting projects that bring our history to life: a collection of key moments, an oral history archive and an interactive campus timelapse.
Key Moments
An interactive journey through 125 events, decisions and people that shaped NIU.
Explore Key MomentsIn Their Own Words
The Oral History Project captures firsthand accounts from alumni, faculty and staff who lived NIU's history.
Explore the CollectionCampus Through the Years
Watch our DeKalb campus grow, building by building, in an interactive timelapse map.
View the TimelapseWho We Are
16,078
Inclusive Community
Over 16,000 students, including 12,118 undergraduates, bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our learning environment.
14:1
Personal Attention
Our 14:1 student to faculty ratio ensures every voice is heard and every student receives the mentorship they deserve.
50%
Supportive Environment
Half of our undergraduates are first in their families to attend college, reflecting our commitment to expanding opportunities and supporting every student's success.
3.42
Academic Excellence
NIU's fall 2025 freshman class achieved a record-high 3.42 GPA, with 18% earning perfect 4.0 GPAs in high school and qualifying for our top merit scholarship.
Recognition for Excellence
Our academic rigor, community partnerships and commitment to inclusive excellence earn national recognition year after year. Selected from among U.S. colleges and universities, these honors reflect NIU's standing as a Carnegie R2 research institution, a community engagement leader and a college where every student belongs.
Colleges of Distinction
Carnegie R2 Research Institution
Carnegie Community Engagement
LGBTQ Best College
Your College Town Experience
In DeKalb and Sycamore, you'll find the perfect college town atmosphere. Just an hour from Chicago, you get the best of both worlds: a welcoming community that puts students first and easy access to big-city opportunities.
You'll be able to:
- Walk to local coffee shops, restaurants and stores offering student discounts.
- Join thousands at iconic events like the Pumpkin Festival and Corn Fest.
- Find everything you need along Route 23, from familiar brands to unique local spots.
- Enjoy easy transportation between campus and both downtowns with your student ID.
- Experience a safe, welcoming community that loves hosting NIU students.
Plus, Chicago's world-class internships, cultural experiences and entertainment are just a train ride away.
More Ways to Experience NIU
Host Your Event at NIU
From conferences to competitions, our modern facilities and dedicated staff help make your event extraordinary.
Summer Programs
Get a taste of college life through our summer camps in sports, arts, science and more, perfect for future Huskies.
Regional Centers
NIU delivers flexible educational opportunities and professional development that respond directly to regional workforce demands and community interests.
Accreditation and Affiliation
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
NIU is included in the Research Universities: High Research Activity category of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
The university and its colleges have institutional membership or other affiliations in or with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Council on Education, Association of American Colleges and Universities, Council of Graduate Schools and Universities Research Association.
The university is also fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education to offer teacher education programs and offers several teacher certification programs that are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
For more information on accredited programs, visit Institutional Effectiveness or call 815-753-3545.