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 for Fall 2020 Applicants
ACT Requirements
19 ACT and at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) or top 50 percent of class
or
23 ACT and at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) or top 66 percent of class
SAT Requirements
If you took the SAT on or after March 2016
990 SAT and at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) or top 50 percent of class
or
1140 SAT and at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) or top 66 percent of class
If you took the SAT before March 2016
910 SAT and at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (out of 4.0)
or
1070 SAT and at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA (out of 4.0)
If you hold a GED or do not meet the posted admissions requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions for additional opportunities for admissions review.
Test Scores and GPA for Fall 2021 Applicants
If you're applying for admission in fall 2021 or after, you won't need to submit an ACT or SAT score. Read more about test-blind admission requirements for fall 2021.
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 15 |
| Fall | August 15 |
| 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.
Contact Us
Office of AdmissionsWilliston Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446
800-892-3050
admissions@niu.edu