First-year Application Requirements
Required High School Curriculum
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | four years |
| Mathematics | three years (algebra, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry or higher) |
| Science | three years (at least one year lab science) |
| Social studies | three years (at least one must be US history or US government) |
| Foreign language, art, or music | two years |
Up to one year of required coursework in science, social studies, foreign language, art or music can be distributed in any of the five subject areas listed above.
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. Read more about admission to the 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 |
Other Important Info
- More deadline information
- First-year and Transfer requirements
- International student requirements
- Next steps for admitted students
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Come for a visit
Campus Safety
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
- Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Department of Police and Public Safety at 815-753-9628 for a hard copy.
- Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.