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Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois 60115-2828

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Campus Vibe

SuburbanGreek life

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.

Established
1895
Type
Public research university
Conference
NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

27 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Visit
70%Acceptance
SAT Avg
11,277Students
14:1Student:Faculty
50%Grad Rate
$57,808Earnings 10yr
$12,909Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Northern Illinois University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate70.5%

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

70.5%

Trend

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$12,700
Tuition (out-of-state)$12,700
Room & Board$12,800
Books & Supplies$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance$27,214
Average Net Price$12,909
Median Debt at Graduation$22,162
Monthly Payment (10yr)$235

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$9,047
$30–48K$9,740
$48–75K$12,674
$75–110K$17,806
$110K+$21,307

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$12,909

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5100.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$16,250

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

Programs (137)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
11,277
Gender Split
53% / 47%
Women / Men
First Generation
38%
Pell Grant Recipients
46%

Race & Ethnicity

White 42%
Black 21%
Hispanic 25%
Asian 7%
Two+ 2%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate49.6%
Freshman Retention70.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$46,113
8 Years$51,305
10 Years$57,808

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$42,300
Men
$57,600

Rankings

U.S. News
#301
Forbes
#339
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#248

More About This School

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

100Average

Estimated from IL state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Chicagopop. 2.7M
59 mi(102 min)
Milwaukeepop. 570K
88 mi(153 min)
Indianapolispop. 880K
202 mi(350 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Northern Illinois University Application Checklist

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