NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for Community College Partners

Greetings,

With unique visit options, new academic initiatives and growing scholarship opportunities for transfer students, it’s an exciting time at NIU.

As I shared last month, we’re seeing more transfer students join our Huskie family every year, with nearly 60% earning merit scholarships.

Keep in mind our priority deadline for summer and fall transfer merit scholarships is March 1. We encourage students to apply early for fall 2026 admission for the best consideration for scholarships and financial aid.

With the 2026-27 FAFSA Form now available, we also encourage students to submit their free application as soon as possible. This is their official application for financial aid at NIU, and we need it to 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.

Our Student Financial Advising Services team can provide personal support and guidance.

And please continue to use this newsletter as your source on expanding transfer

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

"When I transferred, I met with a faculty mentor for the first few weeks of my time at NIU. I was matched with a professor who taught in the same college my program was in, and she was able to provide me with any resources I needed and was just a friendly face to see around campus."

— Stephanie Smelser, a transfer rehabilitation counseling graduate student from Carol Stream, Illinois.

We’re proud to host a series of events during National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 20–24, that showcase our ongoing commitment to transfer student success.

Highlights include:

Of special note this fall:

Our NIU College of Education’s Licensed Educator Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) program also began this fall.

More than two dozen classroom paraprofessionals and long-term substitutes in rural and small-town school districts throughout the northwest corner of the state are embarking on a tuition-free path to becoming special education teachers.

Read more about the program, funded through a federal grant provided by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and in collaboration with Highland, Illinois Valley and Sauk Valley community colleges as well as multiple school boards and regional offices of education, on our CoE blog.

It pays to be part of our University Honors Program at NIU.

A scholarship designed specifically for students who were active members of Phi Theta Kappa at their community college has grown. Eligible students can now receive a one-time $1,000 award during their first semester at NIU.

In addition, as part of our Honors transfer scholarships, transfer students currently attending one of the following community colleges can also be considered for a $1,000 renewable scholarship:

Students are automatically considered for the awards when they apply to the University Honors Program.

Along with exclusive events just for transfer students, including Virtual Transfers Get Information Friday and in-person Transfers Get Information Friday presentations, we’re offering the following visit opportunities:

Encourage your students to register for one of these events today!

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

NIU biology student receives National Science Foundation research fellowship

With NSF, NOAA and industry support, NIU and UW-Madison launch convective storms center

NIU Esports celebrates alumni

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

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