Application Requirements

For First-year Students

Required High School Curriculum

  • English: Four years
  • Mathematics: Three to four years (algebra, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry or higher)
  • Science: Two to three years (at least one year lab science)
  • Social studies: Two to three years (at least one must be U.S. History or U.S. Government)
  • Foreign language, art or music: One to two years

Additional Coursework

Up to three units of the required 15 may be distributed throughout any of the five categories of coursework listed above. Vocational education may satisfy up to three of the units.

Test Scores and GPA

We do not consider ACT or SAT scores for general admission or merit scholarships. We'll look at your high school GPA instead. Research shows that GPA is a better indicator of success in college.

If you have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale, you're guaranteed general admission. The exception to this is our limited-admission nursing program. 

If your GPA is below 3.00, we'll get to know you through a holistic application review process - a flexible, personalized review of your application and circumstances. We know high school grades don't always tell the whole story.

For Transfer Students

Transfer admission criteria is based on the number of completed hours at the time of transfer. How many hours have you taken?

Requirements for Transfer Admissions

Attempted up to 12 Semester Hours

If you've attempted up to and including 12 semester hours of credit, you'll be evaluated as a freshman for admission purposes and must meet the current freshman admission requirements. The grade point average (GPA) earned for the attempted 12 hours or less will not affect the admission decision.

Attempted More than 12 but Earned Less than 24 Hours

If you've attempted more than 12 semester hours but have earned fewer than 24 semester hours of transferable credit at the time of application, you must:

  • Meet current freshman admission requirements
  • Be in good standing at the last college/university attended
  • Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards)

Earned 24 or More Hours

If you've earned 24-59 semester hours, or earned 60 or more semester hours of transferable credit at the time of application, you must:

  • Be in good standing at the last college/university attended
  • Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards)

Compact Benefits for Public Community College Graduates

A graduate of a regionally accredited U.S. public community college who has not previously attended NIU will be admitted as long as there is space available. The student will enter with junior standing and all NIU general education requirements will be considered complete if the student has met the following qualifications prior to enrolling at NIU:

One of the following degrees:

  • Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or an approved Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree from an Illinois public community college
  • Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from an out-of-state public community college
  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in early childhood from any Illinois community college entitled to offer the Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 4 (must also have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, if pursuing a degree in early childhood)

If you hold a GED or do not meet the posted admissions requirements, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for additional opportunities for admissions review.

For International Undergraduates

You are considered an international student if you are:

  • A new or current U.S. visa holder
  • A pending permanent resident
  • A student with refugee or asylum status

Pending permanent residents will be considered nonimmigrant students until they have an I-551 stamp on their passport or have received their Permanent Resident Card.

Admissions Requirements


Contact Us

Office of Admissions
Williston Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446
admissions@niu.edu