1. Undergraduate Admissions
  2. Choose Your Path
  3. First-year Students
  4. First-year Student Application

Apply to NIU As a First-year Student

Start Your Application

There are two easy ways to apply to NIU for free. No test scores required.

Apply Using the NIU Application

Apply directly to NIU using our online application.

Begin NIU Application

Apply Using the Common App

Add us to your list of schools while completing the Common App.

Apply on Common App

We are currently accepting applications for summer and fall 2023.

Requirements and Deadlines

Application Requirements

See our first-year application requirements.

Learn how to submit supporting documents.

Please see the Undergraduate Catalog for complete information about admission criteria and application procedures.

Please note additional requirements for the following programs:

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

The completed application and all supporting documents must be on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. However, early application is strongly recommended. See deadline considerations.

Term Deadline
Summer May 15
Fall August 1
Spring December 1

Application Processes

Test-Free Processes

At NIU, we won't consider your ACT or SAT score for general admissions.

Holistic Review

We'll use a holistic review process to evaluate your application if you have a GPA lower than 3.0. Learn how to prepare.

After You Apply

Activate NIU Account ID and MyNIU Access

Once you submit your admission application and required documents to NIU, you will need to activate your new NIU Account ID.

It usually takes us about two weeks to make an admission decision. Be sure to check the status of your application in MyNIU to see if anything is missing. Submit any missing items as soon as possible.

Contact Us

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

Other Important Info

Campus Safety

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

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