# Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/northern-illinois-university

Northern Illinois University is a public college in Dekalb, IL with 11,301 undergraduates. It admits 70% of applicants. The average net price after aid is $14,505 per year ($12,319 for families earning under $30,000). 49% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $61,351 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 70% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test blind (scores not considered) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 24,177 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 17,033 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | — (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | — (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | — (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $29,642 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $14,505 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $12,319 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $11,502 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $13,387 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $20,105 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $24,295 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 11,301 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 49% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $61,351 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,555 (FY2024) |

## What Northern Illinois University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Required
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Northern Illinois University's acceptance rate?**

Northern Illinois University admits 70% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**Is Northern Illinois University test optional?**

Test blind (scores not considered).

**How many students apply to Northern Illinois University?**

In Fall 2023, 24,177 students applied to Northern Illinois University and 17,033 were admitted; 2,202 enrolled.

**Does Northern Illinois University consider legacy status?**

No. Northern Illinois University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Northern Illinois University require an essay?**

Northern Illinois University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Northern Illinois University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $29,642 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,505.

**What is Northern Illinois University's graduation rate?**

49% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 147703. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology