NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for High School Partners

Greetings,

October has arrived, and there’s a little bit of everything happening at NIU including spooky season fun and hands-on experiences that give students a real glimpse of life as a Huskie. And speaking of spooky things: The 2027–28 FAFSA is now open! 👻

I know that FAFSA season can bring a few questions (and maybe a little anxiety), so please remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here as a resource for you and your students as they work through the college-going process and prepare for what comes next. Our Student Financial Advising Services team can provide personal support and guidance.

There are also plenty of opportunities for students to experience NIU this month. Our Tricks, Treats and Tours, Secrets of the Haunted Labs and our hands-on Admitted Huskie Fridays allow students to explore our campus, connect with faculty and current Huskies and get a better sense of what it means to belong here.

And there’s plenty happening beyond admissions, too. Students can experience our fascinating Olmec Heads on campus, take in School of Theatre and Dance performances and, of course, experience the energy of Homecoming. There’s always something happening at NIU and we love having students and families be part of it.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

We awarded nearly $9 million in merit scholarships to new freshmen this fall, with 81% earning merit scholarships!

We encourage students to apply early for fall 2027 admission for the best consideration for scholarships and financial aid. Keep in mind our priority deadline for summer and fall merit scholarships is Feb. 1.

With the 2027-28 FAFSA form now available, we also encourage students to submit their free application as soon as possible so we can create their financial aid offer. If your student is an Illinois resident but ineligible for federal aid, they can still apply for state assistance through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

We’ve encouraged your students to visit NIU, and now there are two special visit opportunities happening this fall to add to their list. Tricks, Treats and Tours: NIU at Night offers a fun, fall-themed evening on campus, while Admitted Huskie Fridays give admitted students a more immersive look at life as a Huskie. During Admitted Huskie Fridays, students can step into a mock class, connect with faculty and current students and explore resources designed to support their success.

Explore all our visit opportunities.

As mentioned, something exciting is happening around campus this fall. Students can get a preview of the NIU Art Museum’s upcoming Olmec Heads Experience simply by walking around campus. Monumental sculptures inspired by the colossal stone heads of the ancient Olmec civilization are on display at several campus locations, with 25 sculptures featured in the museum exhibition through the end of the fall semester.

Read the story in NIU Today.

Looking for some Halloween fun? Secrets of the Haunted Labs, hosted by the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, returns to NIU Oct. 24, with free, family-friendly hands-on activities featuring freaky physics, creepy chemistry, lights, lasers and more. Open to the public, the fun wraps up with a chemistry demonstration show at 2 p.m.

Learn more about Haunted Labs.

National Geographic Explorers elevate NIU researcher

No Huskie Goes Hungry advances student success at NIU through support from Joe and Giselle Intrakamhang and Northern Illinois Food Bank

Places, everyone! Penguin Players ready to take Cavan stage again this December

With first-year student resources, we’ll meet your students wherever they’re at on their educational journeys and provide personal attention, flexibility and support tailored to their unique needs. 

Do you know other high school partners who would like to receive this information? Share our subscription form.