First-year Application Requirements
Required High School Curriculum
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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 US history or US government) |
| Foreign language, art, or music | one to two years |
Additional Course Work. Up to three units of the required fifteen may be distributed throughout any of the five categories of course work listed above. Vocational education may satisfy up to three of the units.
We are now able to accept your official transcripts as a PDF via email directly from your counselor's email address. Your counselor should send transcripts to admissions@niu.edu.
Test Scores and GPA
We no longer 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 3.0 or higher, you're guaranteed general admission. The exception to this is our limited-admission nursing program.
If your GPA is below 3.0, 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.
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 15 |
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Please note that the actual size of the new class will be determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of academic programs. The schedule on which applications will be reviewed provides for competitive admissions on a space-available basis. Thus, space limitations and/or budget constraints may necessitate earlier deadlines. Students whose high school GPA falls within the published guidelines for holistic review are asked to submit and complete their applications according to the Freshmen Petition Review deadlines.
Other Important Info
- More deadline information
- First-year and Transfer requirements
- Undocumented student requirements
- International student requirements
- Next steps for admitted students
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Come for a visit
Campus Safety
NIU provides an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF).
Additional file formats and information about the annual report are available on the NIU Clery website. To request a hard copy, please contact the director of Clery Compliance at clerycompliance@niu.edu or 815-753-1649.