Fast Facts

At NIU, numbers tell only part of our story, but they're an important part. From our intimate 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio to our diverse community where 50% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, these figures reflect our commitment to inclusive excellence.

Our vibrant campus community brings together more than 16,000 students from across the globe, creating an environment where future psychologists, engineers, artists and entrepreneurs learn alongside each other. With an average class size of 26 students and faculty who are leaders in their fields, NIU offers the personal attention of a small college with the opportunities of a major research university.

Students

Learn more about student life.

Fall 2025

Total Student Enrollment: 16,078 (Fall 2025)

12,118 undergraduate students
3,608 graduate students
352 College of Law students
Nearly 4,500 students living on campus

Fall 2025 Enrollment Highlights

Entering class profile:

2,435 new freshmen
3.42 average high school GPA
18% achieved 4.0 high school GPAs
37% earned GPAs of 3.7 or higher
54% first-generation college students
80% awarded merit scholarships

Academics

Students working together at a table in an NIU classroom

Learn more about NIU’s academic programs.

Academic Profile

1,023 instructional faculty
16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Average undergraduate class size: 26 students
Seven degree-granting colleges
Degree programs offered:
- 81 bachelor’s programs
- 56 master’s programs
- 27 doctoral programs
- Two specialist programs
Study abroad opportunities in 80 countries
Five career fairs annually, involving more than 500 employers

Academic Success

1,361 students in the University Honors Program
87% Graduation Success Rate for student-athletes
4,082 degrees awarded (August 2025 to July 2026)
- 2,696 bachelor’s degrees
- 1,119 master’s degrees
- 103 law degrees
- 164 doctoral degrees