NIU Law at a Glance
The NIU College of Law combines excellence in legal education with cutting-edge research and public service in a supportive atmosphere. Located just 65 miles from Chicago, we have the connections and resources to create a strong foundation for your legal career.
Who We Are
We’re committed to facilitating the entry of members of traditionally underrepresented groups into the legal profession. Our faculty and students represent diverse communities and identities.
Fall 2025 Class Data
| First-Year Enrollment | 134 |
| Women | 55% |
| Minority | 35% |
| Out-of-State Residents | 35% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 8.1:1 |
| Median LSAT | 150 |
| Median GPA | 3.41 |
Alumni Network
Alumni overview:
- Over 4,800 graduates
- More than 150 current/retired judges
- Most (90%) are employed or pursuing graduate study
Where alumni work:
- Law firms: 51.2%
- Government: 22.5%
- Public interest: 15%
- Business: 8.8%
- Judicial clerkship: 2.5%
View our consistently strong employment outcomes in our ABA Employment Summary and NALP Reports.
Academic Options
Traditional and Part-time Programs
Learn more about our full-time and part-time programs:
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Traditional full-time program at NIU DeKalb campus
Part-Time Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Part-time program at NIU Naperville on nights and weekends
Accelerated Degree Programs
Our accelerated law degree programs are available for several majors and allow you to begin your study of law while an undergraduate. In just six years, you can obtain a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S., depending on the program) and a J.D., giving you a head start on your legal career.
Joint Degree Programs
Our joint degree programs make it possible to simultaneously complete a J.D. and master’s degree:
Clinical Programs
- Business Law Innovation Clinic
- Civil Justice Clinic
- Criminal Defense Clinic
- Health Advocacy Clinic
Certificate Programs
- Business law
- Civil advocacy
- Criminal practice
- International law
- Law and women’s and gender studies
- Public interest law
Study Abroad
Our study abroad program in France allows you to experience the European style of law study, which centers vibrant lectures and discussions. You’ll also enjoy academic and leisure field trips.
Visit
Explore campus visit options.
You can:
- Schedule a virtual advising session
- Take an on-campus tour
- Visit a first-year law school class.
Apply
Learn more about how to apply and take the first step toward advancing your legal career.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: Sept. 1
- Priority deadline: April 1
- First deposit due: April 15
- Second deposit due: June 1
Accolades
NIU Law Recognition
We’ve achieved repeated recognition for our excellence:
- Ranked No. 6 nationally for government and public interest jobs (TaxProf Blog)
- Ranked No. 6 for public service (National Jurist)
- Ranked No. 14 for most grads in public service (US News)
Magazine Honors
Our PreLaw Magazine honors include:
- Top School for Public Service: 2025–2026
- Most Diverse Law Schools: 2024, 2025
- Top Schools for Criminal Law: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Best for Public Interest Employment: 2023
- Employment Honor Roll: 2021
Affordable Tuition
Domestic tuition and fees are the same for all U.S. residents and permanent residents.
- Domestic tuition and fees: $26,924.56 (in state and out of state)
- International tuition and fees: $45,169.36
Learn more about costs and funding.
Uniform Bar Examination
Since July 2019, the Illinois Bar Exam has been offering the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). The UBE is comprised of the Multistate Performance Test, Multistate Essay Examination and Multistate Bar Examination. The exam results in a portable score that can be used to apply for admissions in other UBE jurisdictions.
NIU College of Law Nondiscrimination Policy
The Northern Illinois University College of Law is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, sex, marital or parental status, status based on the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. Further, the Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University provides for equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation and regardless of sexual orientation. Inquiries concerning application of Title IX, Section 504, and other statutes and regulations may be referred to Ethics and Compliance Office, Northern Illinois University, Health Services Building, 2nd Floor, DeKalb, IL 60115, eco@niu.edu, telephone 815-753-5560. The College of Law believes that a diverse collegial environment best serves its educational and professional goals, and thus particularly encourages applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups.