Everyone is welcome at NIU, and our students, faculty and staff value unique perspectives. Our community includes people of various ages, backgrounds and life experiences. More than half of our undergraduates are the first in their family to go to a four-year university. So, while it’s normal to feel unsure about fitting in on campus, you’ll likely have more in common with other students than you might expect.
Returning Students
Ready to finish your degree? We're ready to help.
With flexible programs and comprehensive support services, we’re ready to make your NIU degree a reality.
Learn how we can help you achieve this life-changing goal.
Flexible Programs
We offer a range of academic programs with options to meet your personal and professional needs:
- Accelerated programs enable you to complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time.
- Community college partner programs bring your NIU classes closer to home.
- Online and degree completion programs provide flexible learning options that let you study when and where it works for you.
Explore our undergraduate programs.
Apply for Readmission
Follow these steps to get back on track. Refer to our undergraduate catalog for official readmission policies/procedures.
-
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.
-
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 academically dismissed from NIU, include a letter of reinstatement explaining your circumstances and plan for succeeding at NIU.
View application deadlines.
-
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 weeks (or a bit longer if you were academically dismissed).
-
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.
Hear from a Huskie
I was intimidated returning to a college campus after a 20-year hiatus, but the faculty and students at NIU made me feel welcome and included from the very first day of class.
Just don’t give up. I mean if you have the opportunity, take that opportunity, and you never know. A lot of us get sidetracked, but go back. Don’t give up.
Resources
Academics
- Academic Advising Center (reenrollment guidance and more)
- Academic calendar
- Huskie Academic Success Center
Financial Guidance
- Bursar’s office (paying your bill, etc.)
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (how to apply for financial aid and more)
Support Services
- Center for Student Assistance
- Child Development and Family Center (campus child care)
- Commuter and Off-campus Programs
- Disability Resource Center (requesting accommodations, etc.)
- Military and Veteran Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact a reenrollment advisor for guidance on applying for readmission.
Log in to MyNIU to check the status of your application. If it’s been more than two weeks since you submitted your complete application and any required materials, contact us at admissions@niu.edu or 815-753-0446.
Your cost of attendance depends on how many credit hours you take and other factors. Use the planning and cost estimator for a personalized estimate.
As a returning student, you may be eligible for scholarships and/or other financial aid. Read an introduction to financial aid to get started. You can also ask your academic department if they offer any scholarships for returning students.
Learn about transferring credits to NIU. Contact us at transfercenter@niu.edu or 815-753-0446 for more information.
You may be eligible for academic recovery, which allows your GPA to be based solely on coursework you complete after you reenroll.
If you were academically dismissed from NIU, you’ll need to complete some additional steps to be reinstated.
View official reinstatement and academic recovery policies in the undergraduate catalog. Contact a reenrollment advisor for more information.The length of time it will take to finish your degree depends on several factors, such as which degree program you enroll in, what credits you completed previously and how many credits you take per semester. Your academic advisor can help plan your path to graduation.
Career Services is dedicated to helping you meet your professional goals. Learn more about the student resources they offer, including resume review, interview preparation, and job and internship search tools.