NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for Community College Partners

Greetings,

As we head into a busy and exciting fall at NIU, there’s a lot happening for our transfer students and the students you’re helping plan their next steps. We celebrate National Transfer Student Week and highlight the many ways transfer students contribute to our Huskie community as well as prepare early for fall 2027 admission, scholarships and financial aid, and we’re here to help your students make a confident transition to NIU.

There are also plenty of opportunities to experience campus this fall, including special visit events, TGIF programs, art and science, Homecoming, and other activities that showcase the energy and experiences that make NIU such a special place.

Thank you for continuing to be an important partner in helping students reach their goals. We hope these updates and resources give you what you need to keep your students informed, connected and on their path to becoming Huskies.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

"Financial aid and scholarship opportunities helped make earning my degree more manageable and allowed me to focus on my academics and professional development. Having a good amount of financial support has reduced some of my stress associated with college expenses and spreading my time between work, school and internships."

— Janna Braga, a transfer sport management major from Aurora, Illinois.

During National Transfer Student Week (Oct. 19-24), NIU will celebrate the experiences, contributions and achievements of transfer students with opportunities to connect, build community and show Huskie pride. The week includes social events, career-readiness opportunities, a transfer student takeover at Food Truck Wednesday and a special transfer student celebration at the NIU football game.

Explore the full National Transfer Student Week schedule.

The week’s theme, “Your Journey. Your Community. Your Celebration,” recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives transfer students bring to the Huskie community.

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 March 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.

Students can also take part in a Preview Day on Nov. 11, as well as our Transfers Get Information Fridays (TGIF) events designed specifically for future transfer students. They’ll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with a transfer admissions counselor, hear from current Huskies and learn more about transfer pathways, scholarships, academic programs and campus resources.

Explore all of 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 on 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 research

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

For questions or if your student needs help applying, contact us at transfercenter@niu.edu or schedule a virtual appointment.

With transfer-specific resources, we’ll meet your students wherever they are on their educational journeys and provide personal attention, flexibility and support tailored to their unique needs. 

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