Apply to NIU as a reentering student.
Requirements and Deadlines
Application Requirements
Returning students have varying requirements and materials. 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
You'll need to apply earlier if you're a former NIU student applying for reinstatement. 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 Timeline
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1
Prepare and Check for Issues
Start by contacting a reenrollment advisor. They’ll guide you through the process and plan a clear pathway to reentry:
- Learn more about past due balances and financial holds you might need to resolve before you can reenroll.
- If you didn’t meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements in the past, you might need to complete some additional actions to be eligible for federal financial aid.
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2
Submit Your Application and Additional Materials
Submit an application for readmission if you’ve been away for two or more semesters (not including summer). If you attended another college/university after NIU, include a transcript from each institution.
If you were previously academically dismissed from NIU, after you submit your application, you'll receive an email with instructions to answer reinstatement questions online. Not every student needs to complete this step, but most do. You'll see "petition letter" on your MyNIU checklist if this applies to you.
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3
Confirm Access to MyNIU
After you apply, confirm your access to MyNIU. You may need to look up your AccountID or take steps to reset your password. Once you log in to MyNIU, you can check the status of your application and your "to-do" list for any needed actions.
You’ll receive an admission decision in about two to three weeks (or a bit longer if you were academically dismissed).
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4
Accept Your Admission and Register for Classes
Log in to MyNIU and accept your admission.
Now, you’re ready to meet with your academic advisor and register for classes.
Other Important Info
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
NIU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is published in compliance with the Clery Act, the State of Illinois Campus Security Enhancement Act, the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
To request a paper copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, please email the director of Clery Compliance at clerycompliance@niu.edu.