NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for High School Partners

Greetings,

There’s something special about the energy on campus when a new class of Huskies arrives. This fall, we welcomed one of our largest freshman classes in the past decade — and our most academically accomplished incoming class in NIU history. Behind those numbers are students with big goals, different backgrounds and their own stories about why they chose NIU.

We’re especially excited to see record-high incoming GPAs, growing interest in University Honors and strong first-generation enrollment. To me, these are more than enrollment highlights. They’re a reflection of the opportunities we’re creating for students to find their place, build community and see a path forward.

And while we’re busy welcoming this year’s Huskies, we know you’re already having conversations with the next class of students about what comes after high school. That’s why our partnership matters. Fall campus visits and admissions events are underway, including Preview Days, where students and families can experience NIU for themselves. We’re also creating more opportunities for students and families to connect with us in ways that feel meaningful and welcoming, including Abriendo Puertas, our Spanglish program.

In this issue, you’ll find enrollment updates, statewide counseling resources and opportunities to help your students explore what’s possible at NIU. Thank you for

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

NIU welcomed 2,301 new freshmen and 1,403 transfer students this fall, including the university’s third-largest freshman class of the past decade. The incoming class also set a record with an average high school GPA of 3.43. Twenty percent of freshmen earned a 4.00 GPA, and eight out of 10 qualified for an academic merit scholarship.

University Honors enrollment also reached a record 1,366 students, while more than half of new freshmen are first-generation college students. The university also welcomed 3,402 graduate students, including a 19% increase in new doctoral students, while the NIU College of Law reached a record enrollment of 356. Overall enrollment stands at 15,811, the second-highest total of the past five years.

Read the full enrollment announcement in our Newsroom.

Campus visits are underway, giving prospective students the chance to explore everything NIU has to offer at their own pace. Encourage your students to make a visit part of their college search, whether through a daily campus tour, an admissions event or a self-guided tour.

Opportunities include Abriendo Puertas, a Spanglish program connecting students and families with NIU’s Hispanic/Latinx community and providing information about admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Preview Days are scheduled for Oct. 12 and Nov. 11.

Fall group visits are currently full; registration for spring group visits will open in late November.

High school and community college counselors can hear the latest updates from Illinois’ four-year public universities during the State University Articulation Conferencefrom 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 18 in a virtual webinar. ISBE professional development hours will be available for the program, with more information provided to attendees.

Register for the Sept. 18 conference. New State Universities resources will be posted as digital resources.

NIU’s 119th Homecoming celebration is coming Oct. 5 to 11, bringing a week of events that showcase Huskie pride and welcome students, families, alumni and the community to campus. Highlights include the Homecoming football game against Air Force on Oct. 10, as well as the Down Home in Downtown DeKalb Block Party on Oct. 8, featuring a pep rally, March of the Huskies, food trucks and activities for all ages.

Be sure to explore all of our Homecoming events and activities.

What better time to showcase Huskie pride than Homecoming? As NIU celebrates Homecoming, the university will also welcome the cameras for “The College Tour,” a popular college series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Filming will take place on campus Oct. 5 to 9, with up to 10 current NIU students sharing their Huskie experiences and highlighting topics such as academics, innovation, student life, career readiness, belonging and study abroad.

The episode is expected to be available on the NIU and The College Tour websites in spring 2027, followed by a national release on Amazon Prime Video next summer.

Head’s up! Upcoming Art Museum exhibition extends to campus

Walking on clouds: NIU scientists realize dream of protecting high-altitude rainforest in Madagascar

Morgridge graduate assistants launch podcast to give voice to rookie teachers

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. 

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