Welcome to NIU, home of the Huskies! We’re a strong, smart and caring community. No matter where you come from, you’ll fit in here. College is the first chapter of your future and we’re here to help you write your story, your way.
Why NIU?
Choosing the right college is a big decision full of promise. But let’s be real — it can also be stressful. To help, we’re providing some standout reasons why NIU might be the right school for you.
Free to Apply and Guaranteed General Admission and Renewable Merit Scholarship
At NIU, we know you're more than just a test score, so we don't use standardized test scores to make our admission decisions. Have at least a 3.0 GPA? You're guaranteed admission and a renewable merit scholarship. Apply for free on our website or add us on the Common App.
If your GPA is below 3.0, we'll process your application through holistic review — a personalized evaluation of your application and circumstances. Our holistic review process considers your individual situation, involvement and achievements in addition to your academic record.
Learn More about our test-blind, guaranteed and free admission
Affordable
College is a big investment, so we’re committed to making your education affordable in more ways than one:
No tuition costs or fees
Our AIM HIGH Huskie Pledge supports eligible first-year students.
Over $28 million in scholarships
Not including grants and athletic aid.
90% of Huskies
Receive at least one type of financial aid. And, over 1/3 of our undergraduate students graduate from NIU with no student loan debt.
Innovative Academic Programs
We have the high-quality academic programs you want. We’re constantly expanding our catalog to prepare you for an exciting degree in a changing world. We offer over 100 different programs in just about everything you might want to study — from art and business to engineering and healthcare — with options to take classes on campus, online or closer to home at community college locations, making it easier to find a path that fits your interests and goals.
Not sure what you’d like to study? That’s OK. NIU is the perfect place to explore.
Learn More about our academic programs
Supportive Community
We value the contributions of all our students who come from different communities, cultures and countries. No matter your background, you're included and supported in your work and in your life because we recognize our diversity as one of our strengths. With over 250 student organizations, cultural resource centers and peer mentoring, we want you to connect, succeed and feel at home.
Learn More about our supportive community
Job-focused
At NIU, we make it possible to apply what you learn so you get both the education and the experience you need to win the job you want. We work with employers in Chicago and across Illinois, so you’ll have the internships, connections and job-related opportunities to ensure your investment pays off after graduation.
Learn more about our academic outcomes
