Information for Community College Counselors
Partner with us to support transfer student success. Discover the latest updates, resources and enrollment opportunities at NIU.
Huskie Highlights
NIU Enrollment Up Over 4% as New Freshman, Transfer, Reenrollment Numbers Soar
Enrollment at NIU grew this fall, with surges in the numbers of new freshmen and transfers, along with strong reenrollment for continuing students, powering an overall increase of 663 Huskies. The university welcomed 2,435 new freshmen, a 22% jump over last fall and the second-largest freshman class since 2014. Total university enrollment on the 10th day of classes reached 16,078, an increase of 4.3% over fall 2024.
NIU Named to 2025 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll
NIU earned a spot on the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, a national recognition awarded to colleges and universities that excel in supporting community college transfer students. Several recent initiatives contributed to NIU's ranking, including the creation of a competitive PTK scholarship for transfer students, one of several scholarships and financial aid opportunities for transfer students.
Campus Visits
Whether your students prefer an in-depth campus experience, a focused conversation with an admissions counselor, or a self-guided exploration, we offer flexible visit options to fit their needs and schedules. We also welcome group visits for your cohorts of 15-50 students. Learn more about group visit scheduling.
College Updates
NIU's colleges have made significant curriculum and program updates to support student success and expand opportunities. Review the updates below that may apply to your students' academic goals and transfer plans.
Curriculum Updates
The math requirement in the Fundamental Business Requirements now includes the option of MATH 210 (Finite Math). Students may choose from MATH 210, MATH 211 or MATH 229 to fulfill this requirement.
A new accountancy minor is now open to any College of Business major.
Facility Updates
The college has opened the NEW HAVI Center for Analytics and Technology. A 2025 classroom and technology remodel made possible with support of donors.
Department of Sociology and Criminology: Our Department of Sociology is now the Department of Sociology and Criminology, offering B.A. and B.S. degrees in sociology and in criminology. Students who plan to complete their B.A. must take STAT 100 or STAT 200, and B.S. students must take STAT 200 or STAT 300. For more information, contact Kristie Crane at kristieb@niu.edu.
Biology Major Changes: Our biology major no longer requires MATH 229 (Calculus I), PHYS 211/PHYS 273 (Physics II) or CHEM 331/336 (Organic Chemistry II). Students are required to take MATH 155 (Trigonometry) and UBUS 223 (Intro to Business Statistics) or STAT 200 (Elementary Statistics). Questions? Contact clas_advising_office@niu.edu or 815-753-0114.
Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree: There are new requirements for our Bachelor of General Studies degree, which include earning at least 70 semester hours of credit in courses offered or approved by CLAS and taking at least 30 hours in upper-division (300/400) classes, 12 of which must be completed at NIU. For details, email askbgs@niu.edu.
School of Art and Design
- Our time arts major has changed 2D Animation to Moving Images.
- Photography will begin to require ARTD 201 (Introduction to Visual Communications) with their upcoming curriculum changes.
- Our BFA in studio art now requires two 2D and two 3D studios, allowing for more student choice.
- Our BFA in studio and design has updated art history requirements, allowing students to choose between two of the three art history courses: ARTH 282, 292 and 294.
School of Music
Our School of Music has been working diligently to become much more transfer friendly. If your student has completed their music theory and aural skills sequence at a community college, these courses are most often able to transfer without issue. We always recommend connecting with our advisor about their transcripts to ensure that they'll be prepared to find continued success in the latter part of our music curriculum.
Significant programmatic and curricular changes are in the works for the 2026-27 academic year. Details will be made available at our NIU Articulation Conference in early spring 2026.
Middle Level Teaching and Learning Program
The middle level teaching and learning program removed a few minor content areas. Students can now pursue English, math, science, social science and bilingual/ESL. Major content areas are: English, math, science and social science.
Elementary Education Program
The elementary education program removed some emphasis areas. Students have the option to choose from the following: General emphasis, reading teacher emphasis, math emphasis and bilingual/ESL emphasis.
Program Updates for 2025-26
- Criminology (B.A. and B.S.) changed from emphases to majors.
- Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness (B.S.) is now called Nutrition Sciences.
- Political Science (B.A. and B.S.) emphasis in Public Administration and Service has been updated to Public Policy and Administration.
- The Political Science (B.A. and B.S.) emphasis in Justice and Democracy: The American Experiment has been deleted.
- Engineering Technology (B.S.) has three new emphases: Industrial and Production Engineering Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, and Sustainability.
Applying to NIU
Transfer Application Requirements and Deadlines
Support your students through the application process with these essential resources and information about NIU transfer requirements.
- NIU Transfer Application
- Transfer Application Requirements and Deadlines
- Next Steps for Admitted Transfer Students
- Next Steps for Admitted Off-Campus or Online Transfer Students
Scholarships and Grants for Transfer Students
Help your students explore funding opportunities designed specifically for transfer students coming to NIU.
Transfer Tools
These tools help students understand course credit transfer, major requirements, and degree completion timelines.
- NIU Transfer Credit Estimator
- NIU Transfer Course Equivalencies and Major Guides
- Articulation Tables
- Four-Year Degree Paths
Special Programs
Explore specialized opportunities and support services available to NIU transfer students.
Tuition and Fees
For the most current and detailed tuition and fees information, including costs of attendance budgets and program-specific rates, visit our tuition and aid page.
View Current Tuition and FeesQuestions? We're Here to Help
Contact our admissions team with questions about transfer options, admission requirements, or scholarship opportunities for your students.
Email: admissions@niu.edu
Phone: (815) 753-0446