Tuition and Aid

NIU has been committed to improving lives through education for more than a century. And we know our impact is greater when that education is accessible and affordable. Our high-quality online programs give more people access to an NIU education, providing flexibility and support at a cost that works with their lives.

Cost Snapshot

Commitment to Affordability

• No undergraduate application fee
• No higher tuition rate for out-of-state students (same as in-state)
• No standardized test scores needed for undergraduate admission or merit scholarships
• No tuition rate increases for eligible undergraduate students with truth-in-tuition

Financial Aid

Online students are eligible for financial aid such as scholarships, grants and loans. You can apply for financial aid by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Employer Assistance

Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. Be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer these benefits. If so, we’ll establish a third-party contract to allow them to make payments on your account.  

Affordable Course Materials

Part of providing an affordable education is being conscious of the cost of textbooks and other course materials. NIU encourages faculty to use free or low-cost materials in their courses whenever possible.

To find courses with affordable materials, select “Textbooks/Zero Cost Textbooks” under Class Attribute in your course search. Or search for the keyword “low cost.”

Resources