Public

Medium

Mid-American Conference

Northern Illinois University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.40

Acceptance Rate69.8%

For NIU, the published scholarship threshold is GPA-based, so your grades carry clear value. With a nearly 70% admit rate and a test-optional policy, submit an SAT or ACT score when it adds stronger evidence than your transcript alone.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Northern Illinois University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Northern Illinois University enrolls 11,349 undergraduate students in a small-town campus setting. NIU has a freshman retention rate of 70% and a 6-year graduation rate of 49%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.

Location

DeKalb, IL

Undergrad Enrollment11,349

Freshman Retention70%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio14:1

Graduation Rate49%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How does your GPA compare at NIU?

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Key Northern Illinois University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because NIU is test-optional, use this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a retake and possible superscoring. NIU’s Regular Decision deadline is August 1, so fall senior-year retakes will not arrive in time for that deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

At NIU, a public Mid-American Conference university, in-state tuition is $10,231 and out-of-state tuition is $10,231. About 81% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,034. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline for full consideration.

In-State Tuition$10,231

Out-of-State Tuition$10,231

Room and Board$14,160

Average Merit Award$5,034

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid81%

Average Aid Package$18,440

Average Debt at Grad$26,713

At NIU, out-of-state tuition is $10,231, and room and board is about $14,160. Financial aid is common, with 81% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $18,440. Merit awards average $5,034, which can further reduce the net price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,713.