

Northern Illinois University Ranking 2026
Northern Illinois University is considered to be one of the top universities in USA. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Northern Illinois University ranks #207 among all higher educational institutions in the United States.
Another prominent university ranking publication ranks it #273 as part of its National University Rankings 2025.
Moreover, a few of the Northern Illinois University courses are also ranked by Shiksha Popularity Rankings, as mentioned below:
Course name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 |
---|---|
MIM | #158 |
BBA | #205 |
MS | #228 |
MSN | #182 |
Others PG | #140 |
M.A. | #179 |
#774
#218
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of Chicago ranks #1, as per the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings of the best colleges/universities in Illinois. The institute also happens to be one of the best higher educational institutes in the US, securing a country-level rank of #13 as part of Shiksha's rankings.
Being such a highly rated institution means, it is also one of the most selective institutions in the United States, with an acceptance rate of only around 5%.
Prospective students must perform extremely well in school/college level academics & satisfy the institute's academic requirements to have a chance of a seat at UChicago.
NIU's global rank varies with different ranking publications, as each publisher has its own criteria of assessment of an institution.
A major ranking platform ranks the institute #801 as part of its Global University Rankings 2025, while another prominent publisher ranks it #1181 as part of its Best Global Universities Rankings.
The same publisher also gives NIU a country-level rank of #273 in its rankings of US Universities.
Northern Illinois University Programs
Northern Illinois University is renowned for offering the best academic programs for its international and domestic students. The University offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and graduate levels through its seven degree-granting colleges. The most popular majors at Northern Illinois University are: Psychology, Health & Medical Preparatory programs, Computer Science, Marketing & Management, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Adult & Continuing Education, and Management Science etc. Some of the top programs at the university opted by international students are listed below:
- Bachelor in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Management Information Systems
Academic Degree Programs
Program | Statistics |
---|---|
Bachelor's degree programs | 100 |
Master's degree programs | 80 |
Degree-Granting Colleges
NIU Colleges | |
---|---|
Business | Education |
Engineering and Engineering Technology | Health and Human Sciences |
Law | Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Visual and Performing Arts |
Top Courses |
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
---|---|
Science |
#155 |
Medicine & Health |
#168 |
MIM |
#158 |
Physics |
#122 |
Business & Management Studies |
#210 |
MS |
#228 |

We can fast-track your application in a week.

13.6K+ students got admitted through us.

Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Northern Illinois University offers 155 different academic programs leading to degrees or certificates. Additionally, the university provides online options for two of its major programs, specifically in the fields of MA and M.Sc. Most of the postgraduate courses offered by Northern Illinois University span between 12 and 24 months, which comprises 4 semesters. Some of the postgraduate programmes like the MBA offered at Northern Illinois University have a duration of 12 months and encompass 2 semesters.
Accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Computer Science programme at Northern Illinois University shows that it is one of the quality programs of the university. The programme revolves around the subjects, such as Algorithms, Data Structure, Computer Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, and more.
The programme provides thesis and non-thesis option via faculty members with strong research backgrounds. The CS graduates get the best opportunities after completing the programs along with research projects.
To apply for our various undergraduate and graduate programs at Northern Illinois University, here are the basic requirements for international students:
Requirements for M.A at Northern illinois University:
- To earn a graduate degree, students should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, typically spanning four years.
- Additionally, students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
- Please note that certain programs may necessitate the submission of a GMAT or GRE score.
Northern Illinois University Admissions 2026
Northern Illinois University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its seven degree-granting colleges. International students must meet the adnussion requirements at the university. Moreover, the university admission process for undergraduate programs is as follows:
Admission Deadlines 2025
Intake | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall Semester |
Closed |
Spring Semester | Oct 1, 2025 |
Admission Requirements for International Students
Northern Illinois University offers programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels. The minimum admission requirements for international students will vary from course to course. Therefore, international students are advised to check the minimum admission requirements before applying. The general admission requirements for international students are given below.
- Completed Application form
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended or attending
- Proof of sufficient fund
- SAT/ACT
- GRE/GMAT
- CV/Resume or Portfolio
- Interview
- Letter of Recommendations
- Essay
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at Northern Illinois University, therefore, international students whose native language is not English are required to show proficiency in the English language. International students can demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by submitting IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores.
Exam | Scores |
---|---|
TOEFL | 80 |
IELTS | 6.5 |
PTE | 53 |
Duolingo | 115 |
Acceptance Rate
NIU acceptance rate is 70%, which makes it competitive.
Application Fee
Northern Illinois University application fee for undergraduate and postgraduate program is as follows:
Particular |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
---|---|---|
Application Fee |
USD 50 (INR 4,204) |
USD 60 (INR 5,045) |
Coversion used: USD 1 - INR 84.7
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
According to Northern illinois University data from 2020-2021, a small portion of the student body consists of international students, showcasing a wide range of diversity. Specifically, Northern Illinois University had a total of 735 international students enrolled, with 173 of them pursuing undergraduate degrees. Northern Illinois University has a moderate level of selectivity. Once all the applications are in, the university evaluates them one by one. The average ACT score for admitted students is around 22. To secure a spot at the university, students need to demonstrate exceptional abilities and achieve high scores. In some cases, students may need to provide work portfolios or essays as part of their admission process. Gaining admission to this university is a challenging endeavor.
Getting admission to Northern Illinois University or any other prestigious university requires students with passion, commitment and diligence. With sincerity, any student who can afford to study abroad can join Northern Illinois University. However, students must fulfil the eligibility criteria of the programme they are seeking admission into. Indian students seeking admission at Illinois University are required to have a minimum education of high school from a recognised board, with English, mathematics, Science and social Science as compulsory subjects. Furthermore, they are also required to show their English Language Proficiency by qualifying for any of the exams such as TOEFL iBT/ TOEFL PBT/ IELTS and others.s If an Indian student from tier 2/ tier 3 manages to satisfy the eligibility criteria, then she/he can surely join Northern Illinois University.
International students willing to take part in UG and PG programs at Northeastern Illinois University must fulfill the basic eligibility criteria and submit the documents required by the university. The admission requirements for international students at Northeastern Illinois University are given below:
Undergraduate requirements:
- Students must hold a high school Diploma degree
- Official transcripts
- English language requirements
Graduate requirements:
- Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 2.75 undergraduate GPA (on a 4.0-point scale)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency
NIU USANorthern Illinois University Scholarships
Once an international student has been admitted to NIU as a freshman or transfer student, they will automatically be considered for either a merit or housing scholarship. The merit and housing scholarships offered to international students are:
Scholarship Name | Award (per year) |
---|---|
Merit Scholarship | USD 5,000 to USD 9,000 (INR 415,135 to INR 747,243) |
Housing Scholarship | USD 3,600 (INR 298,897) |
*USD/INR = 83.03
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, Northern Illinois University offer scholarships to support international students. Northern Illinois University offers mainly two types of scholarships to international students; Merit scholarship and Housing scholarship. The award given in Merit and Housing scholarship are given below.
Scholarship Name | Award (per year) |
---|---|
Merit Scholarship | USD 5,000 to USD 9,000 (INR 415,135 - 747,243) |
Housing Scholarship | USD 3,600 (INR 298,897) |
*USD/INR = 83.03
NIU USAStudents Ratings & Reviews
- 0% students never faced discrimination in this university
Northern Illinois University Placements
Northern Illinois University is recognized for having the highest placement rate across the USA. Northern Illinois University placement rate is 88%, for CEET graduates. The University placement rate attracts international students the most. Also, the university graduates are in high demand worldwide. The placement highlights at the university are listed below:
- The University graduates work for top companies such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Salesforce, Chief, Amazon, etc.
- Northern Illinois University graduates work in top sectors such as Business Development, Engineering, Information Technology, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and more.
- The graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Marketing, and others.
- Top courses that are chosen by university alumni include Computer Science, Accounting, Marketing, Psychology, Information Technology, and more.
ROI After Education Northern Illinois University
The average salary of a Northern Illinois University graduate is USD 60,000 (INR 50.44 L) annually.
Top Employers
Some of the top employers at the Northern Illinois University are given below:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Salesforce
- Chief
- PwC
- United Airlines
- CDW
- McDonald’s
- AbbVie
- Discover Financial Services
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The Placement opportunities at Northern Illinois University are quite good. The Placement rate varies according to the courses. The Placement rate for M.A is usually 76%. The average Placement lies between 3.4-3.6 LPA and the high Placement lies between 6.6-6.9 LPA. The University also provides ample of Internship opportunities or summer training to the students to enhance their skills and boost their knowledge.
Northern Illinois University is among the top universities for international students in Canada. The University is known for having the highest placement rate. Moreover, university graduates are consistently in high demand worldwide. Also, the graduates work in top sectors such as Business Development, Sales, Engineering, Information Technology, and more. A few of the top employers at Northern Illinois University are listed below:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Salesforce
- Chief
- PwC
- United Airlines
- CDW
- McDonald’s
- AbbVie
- Discover Financial Services
NIU USAStudent profile
Others
48%
Hispanic
23%
Black
20%
Asian
6%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
Study in the USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.Northern Illinois University FAQs
Northern Illinois University's College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) has a good reputation for its programs in various engineering fields, including mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering. The CEET is accredited by ABET, which is a well-known accrediting agency for engineering programs. In general, Northern Illinois University is a good choice for students who want to earn a degree that will look good on their resumes, especially in the fields of engineering and business. However, it is important to note that the value of a degree ultimately depends on various factors, such as the student's academic performance, work experience, and networking skills, among others.
As per one of the former Northern Illinois University graduates; It is a fairly good University, its Education is one of the top schools in the States. I enjoyed my years there. I found many good friends above all many great professors.
The Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL while Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL. Northern Illinois University is ranked 412 Nationally while Illinois State University is ranked 467 Nationally. Illinois State University is 20% more expensive to attend than Northern Illinois University and the admission standards are easy in Northern Illinois Universilty while the admission standards are moderate in Illinois State University.
Certainly, students at Northern Illinois University can seek employment opportunities while pursuing their studies. If a student is in their last year, they are eligible to apply for internships or jobs. Throughout the semester, the University permits students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus, and during breaks, full-time work is allowed. Students also get the chance to sit as part of on campus placements.
NIU USA
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
Yes, Northern Illinois University has been ranked #150 in Best Law Schools by U.S. News. Some of the other rankings for other NIU schools and programs are given below:
#61 in Best Public Affairs Programs | #135 in Economics |
#82 in Statistics | #150 in Best Law Schools |
#107 in Political Science | #160 in Mathematics |
#120 in History | #192 in Chemistry |
#131 in English | #251 in Biological Sciences |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The NIU cost of attendance for international students for 2025-26 is given below:
Particulars | UG | PG (12 Credit Hours) |
---|---|---|
Tuition | USD 10,742 (INR 9.3L) | USD 9,304 (INR 8.1L) |
Fees | USD 3,050 (INR 2.6L) | USD 3,494 (INR 3.0L) |
Loan Fees (UG)/Federal Student Loan Fees (PG) | USD 72 (INR 6.2K) | USD 178 (INR 15.4K) |
Living Expenses | USD 14,680 (INR 12.7L) | USD 16,374 (INR 14.2L) |
Transportation | USD 1,140 (INR 99.0K) | USD 3,398 (INR 3.0L) |
Books, supplies, course materials, and equipment | USD 1,200 (INR 1.0L) | USD 1,188 (INR 1.0L) |
Miscellaneous personal expenses | USD 1,600 (INR 1.4L) | USD 1,600 (INR 1.4L) |
Total4 | USD 32,484 (INR 28.2L) | USD 35,536 (INR 30.8L) |
(1 USD = INR 86.75)
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, Northern Illinois University campus boasts 17 intercollegiate athletic teams that compete in the NCAA Division I. These teams are known as the Northern Illinois Huskies. In 2024, thirty-one of the student-athletes of NIU earned the 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award. A total of 400+ student-athl
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Yes, international students are not required to pay any tuition fee to apply at Nothern Illinois University at UG level, however students are required to pay an NIU application fee of USD 60 (INR 5.1 K).
B
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 months ago
Northern Illinois University is considered a good university and there are two intakes in a year namely: Fall and Spring. After making a successful application at this university, it takes them two to three weeks for upadating an application decision to the students.
Students can also check the stat
P
Contributor-Level 8
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
NIU USA





NIU USACampuses
1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
Visit official site8500 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61108
Visit official siteMelanie Costello, Campus Director 1414 North River Road P.O. Box 299 Oregon, IL 61061
Visit official siteNIU USAContact Information
1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828
DeKalb ( Illinois)
NIU USA Popular & recent articles




Comments