Public Institution

Northern Illinois University — Dekalb, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $12,700

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 70.5%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 11,277

Active Students

Avg. Salary $57,808

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Dekalb, Illinois

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Northern Illinois University stands as a pillar of higher education in Dekalb, providing a robust academic foundation for 11,277 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Northern Illinois University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Northern Illinois University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

17.7%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

15.5%

Enrollment Share

Education

9.1%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

8.1%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

5.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Northern Illinois University provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Northern Illinois University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 70.5%

Difficulty Low

Northern Illinois University maintains an acceptance rate of 70.5%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47%

Women Enrollment 53%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Northern Illinois University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Northern Illinois University's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Northern Illinois University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $12,700

Out-of-State Tuition $12,700

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 45.6%

Median Student Debt $22,162

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $12,700, graduates see a median starting salary of $57,808, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Northern Illinois University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $57,808

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 49.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,909

Median Salary (6yr) $46,113

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb?

11,277 Students

Gender Comparison

47% Men

53% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

70.4%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.5%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

6.6%

Black

21.3%

White

42.1%

Unknown

0.8%

Hispanic

25.1%

Two or More Races

2.2%

International

1.4%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 38.3%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 64%

🎖️

Veterans 0.5%

💍

Married Students 3.7%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 42.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$75,712
Average Family Income	$56,267
Median Family Income	$39,109

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.1%

51.9%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Dekalb Campus Environment

Located at 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Northern Illinois University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Northern Illinois University compare?

Direct Comparison Northern Illinois University vs Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology →

Common Questions about Northern Illinois University

Is Northern Illinois University a good college in Dekalb, Illinois?

Northern Illinois University is a recognized institution in Dekalb with an enrollment of 11,277 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.

Is Northern Illinois University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Northern Illinois University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $57,808. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Northern Illinois University cost for Illinois residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Northern Illinois University is approximately $12,700. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $12,700. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Northern Illinois University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Northern Illinois University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 64% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Northern Illinois University good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?

Northern Illinois University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Northern Illinois University?

Graduates of Northern Illinois University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $57,808, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Northern Illinois University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Northern Illinois University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median salary of $57,808 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Northern Illinois University a good investment compared to other IL colleges?

Northern Illinois University stands out as a high-value investment in Illinois. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Northern Illinois University located and what is the campus like?

Northern Illinois University is located at 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy. in Dekalb, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 11,277 learners.

Who typically attends Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL?

The student body at Northern Illinois University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 38.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Northern Illinois University with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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