Apply to NIU As a Transfer Student

Start Your Application

No application fee. No test scores to submit.
It’s easy to start your transfer journey!

Begin NIU Application

Apply now for summer and fall 2024.

More Information and Assistance

For official information, refer to admissions requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

If you need help applying, contact us at transfercenter@niu.edu or schedule a virtual appointment

Application Requirements

The requirements depend on how many credit hours you have:

I’ve Taken 12 Credit Hours or Less

I’ve Taken More than 12 but Earned Less than 24 Credit Hours

You must:

I’ve Earned 24 Credit Hours or More

You must:

  • Be in good standing at the last school you attended.
  • Have a GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00 from all colleges/universities attended.

Additional Requirements

Limited Admission Programs

Some programs limit the number of students they admit. If you want to enroll in a limited admission program, you’ll need to meet additional requirements.

International Students

You must meet some additional requirements. Learn more about requirements for international transfer students.

Prior Applicants

Be sure to submit recent transcripts. If your transcript was printed more than one year from the date you apply, we can’t use it. Learn more about re-enrolling at NIU.

Application Deadlines

Submit your application and supporting documents by the application deadline. Apply earlier if you want to be considered for a transfer merit scholarship or you’re asking for a review of an admission decision.

Term Deadline
Summer May 15
Fall August 1
Spring December 1

Guaranteed Admission

If you attend or have an associate degree from a participating community college, you could be guaranteed admission to NIU. Fill out the Guaranteed Admission Program Participation Form at least one year before your first semester at NIU.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a high school graduate
  • Be in good standing at your school
  • Have completed at least 24 transferable credit hours
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (out of 4.00) at all colleges/universities attended
  • Have completed required general education coursework

We’ve also partnered with several community colleges to provide a seamless transfer experience for students in certain majors.

After You Apply

After you submit your application and supporting documents, check your email for a message from admissions@niu.edu. Follow the steps to activate your NIU account ID and log in to MyNIU to check your application status.

It usually takes us about two weeks to make an admission decision once we have all your materials.

Allyson Thompson

Transfer Student Spotlight

When I transferred from a community college, I was very nervous about being a little fish in a big pond. I expected to get lost in a sea of students. I couldn't have been further from the mark. It's quite remarkable how much the faculty and staff at NIU truly care for their students.


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.

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