Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Illinois 60115-2828
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Northern Illinois University is a public institution in Dekalb with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A large campus of 11.3K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $57,808 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,909.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Altgeld Hall was the first building to be constructed on campus.
- •Northern Illinois University was founded as part of the expansion of the normal school program established in 1857 in Normal, Illinois.
- •In 1895, the state legislature created a board of trustees for the governance of the Northern Illinois State Normal School, which would grow into what is today known as NIU.
- •In 1921, the legislature gave the institution the name Northern Illinois State Teachers College and empowered it to award the four-year Bachelor of Education degree.
- •In 1941, the Normal School Board changed its name to the Teachers College Board.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
51.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-7.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,250
Programs (137)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
70%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
81
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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