Worried about getting admission to Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a low score? Looking for admission to undergraduate courses? Then you need to have a SAT score of more than 1170 and ACT score of more than 25. Moreover, you need to have more than 75% marks in your previous academics along with an IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 71. If you are looking for Northern Illinois University admissions to graduate programs, you need to have an undergraduate degree with 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale (80-82% marks). What else do you need? A GRE score of 300 or above will do the trick. Confused about which subject to apply for? Let us clarify that, Business, Nursing, Engineering, Psychology and Education are the most popular and flagship subjects of Northern Illinois University. What are the benefits of studying at NIU? Students suggest that, strong academic programs, affordable tuition fees, research opportunities, great campus life are some of the benefits of attending this university. What are you waiting for? Apply now.

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If your GRE score is 294 and undergrad CGPA is 7.9, you might face difficulties to get into this university. But surprisingly, students with a CGPA of 6.93 and GRE score of 294 are studying at reputed universities like Stanford. It means scores are not the main factor, it is depending on your complete profile, competitiveness of your program etc. Be prompt and write an extremely clear SOP for USA to smoothen you admission chances. Joining NIU to become a high school teacher? Then let us clarify that, Northern Illinois University is ranked for the best online Master’s in education programs by US News and World reports. So yes, even an online degree from this university can make you a great teacher. Choose either fall (beginning in August) or spring (beginning in January) intake to apply for Northern Illinois University admissions. May 1 is the deadline for Fall and October 1 is the Northern Illinois University application deadline for spring semester. Remember, admitted students of NIU already hold a GPA of 3.42 as per the US grading system. To compete with them, you need better scores. There is no Northern Illinois University application fees for international undergraduate students. Graduate students need to pay USD 60 (INR 4992.05) for application submission. 

Northern Illinois University enrolled 15,504 students in the last fall intake in USA. Out of which 11,358 are undergraduategraduate students are 3,832 and 314 student enrolled to the College of Law. Hesitating to live on campus? Let us assure you, there are 4,100 students happily living on campus. The NIU campus is safe and sound with high security and facilities. Rest assured, you will enjoy a diverse community of 1,041 international students during your time at the Northern Illinois University. 

Northern Illinois University Admissions Highlights

Candidates must check the application deadlines for top universities in USA before applying to Northern Illinois University admissions or any other university. Remember, NIU does not accept application via Common App. You have to apply directly to the university. Northern Illinois University admissions details are tabulated below:

Northern Illinois University Application portal Undergraduate: https://www.niu.edu/admissions/apply/index.shtml
Postgraduate: https://www.niu.edu/grad/admissions/apply-now.shtml
Northern Illinois University Admissions Deadline For undergraduate:
May 15, August 1, December 1
For graduate: Depends upon the program
Northern Illinois University Early Action N/A
Northern Illinois University Acceptance Rate 71%
Northern Illinois University Application Fee First-year applicants: No fee required
Graduate applicants: USD 60 (INR 4992.05)
English language proficiency scores

IELTS score: 6.0

TOEFL: 71

PTE: 48

DET score: 105

Academic Calendar For Spring 2024:
January 8 – 12: Faculty Meetings
January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (university closed)
January 16: Classes Begin
March 10 – 17: Spring Recess
March 18: Classes Resume
April 21: Honors Day
May 2: Classes End
May 3: Reading Day
May 4, 6 – 10: Final Examinations
May 10: Spring Graduate Commencement
May 11: Spring Undergraduate Commencement
Standardized Test Scores GPA: Minimum 3.0 or higher
SAT score: Optional ACT: Optional
GMAT score: 550
GRE score: 150 per section

Northern Illinois University Admissions Deadlines

Candidates must use the Northern Illinois University application login portal for applying. Northern Illinois University is one of the private universities in USA. Even ff your final semester grades are yet to come, you can apply to this university and ask for an extension. You can email intladmissions@niu.edu or call 815-753-8276 for the same. Northern Illinois University Admissions deadlines and requirements are given below for various levels.

Northern Illinois University Undergraduate Admission Details

The US Education System for international students is very important for admissions in the United States. Northern Illinois University admissions deadline is May 15, August 1 and December 1. Northern Illinois University international admissions deadline and requirements are given below:

Program Name Application Deadline Admission Requirements
Accountancy Summer: May 15
Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1
Completed application form
Minimum high school performance record
Coursework
GPA of 3.0 or higher
English proficiency exam scores of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc.
SAT and ACT scores (Optional)

 
Anthropology
Biology
Business Administration
Computer Science

Northern Illinois University Graduate Admissions

Northern Illinois University IELTS requirement is a 6.5 score. Northern Illinois University Admissions is considered one of the top colleges in USA for MS. The table below highlights the Northern Illinois University graduate application deadlines as well as requirements:

Program Name Application Deadline Admission Requirement

Master of Accountancy

Summer deadline: April 20
Fall deadline: August 14
Spring deadline: December 17
Online application form
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Official transcripts
Letters of recommendation
GPA of 2.75
English Proficiency test scores of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE
Standardized test scores of GRE or GMAT
Resume/CV
Program specific requirements
Passport
Application fee of USD 60 (INR 4992.05)
Spring: March 1
Summer: April 1
Fall: August 15
Winter: December 1
Summer deadline: December 10
Fall deadline: July 26
Spring deadline: December 13
M.S. in earth, atmosphere and environment Fall admission and assistantship consideration – Feb. 1
Fall admission and no interest in an assistantship – May 1
Spring admission and assistantship consideration – Oct. 1
Spring admission and no interest in an assistantship – Oct. 1
Master of Public Administration Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10

Northern Illinois University Admissions MBA Admission Details

Applicants must meet the MBA Requirements in USA before applying. Generally, a good GMAT score, strong SOP, excellent academic grades and 3-4 years of work experience can get you admission at Northern Illinois University. The deadlines and Northern Illinois University admissions requirements for MBA program are as follows:

Program Name Application Deadline Admission Requirements
Global MBA Fall: July 15
Spring: Dec. 10
Summer:June 1
Completed online Application Form
Letters of recommendation
Official Transcripts
Work Experience
English Proficiency Test Scores
Resume/CV
GMAT score: 550
GRE: 150 per section
Application fee of USD 60 (INR 4992.05)
Executive MBA N/A
One year MBA N/A
Online MBA N/A

Northern Illinois University Admissions Documents Required

There are various benefits of studying in USA like seamless credit transfer, earn more credits in extracurricular activities, and many more. The list of documents for Northern Illinois University admission requirements vary according to the program. Some of the basic Northern Illinois University application requirements that are required are as follows:

  • Bachelors degree for graduate programs
  • High secondary school report for undergraduate programs
  • Official/Unofficial transcripts
  • Complete online application form
  • GMAT/GRE scorecard
  • GPA of 3.0
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Coursework
  • ACT/SAT scorecard (Optional)
  • Personal statement
  • Work Experience
  • Passport
  • US student visa
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Updated CV or resume

Northern Illinois University Admissions Statistics

Northern Illinois University GRE requirements is 150 in each section for graduate admissions. For undergraduate admissions achieving higher scores can do the trick. NIU can be considered as one of the US universities with high acceptance rate for having 71% acceptance rate. 

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Northern Illinois University Selection Criteria

Northern Illinois University GPA requirements is 2.75. However, Northern Illinois University is one of the cheapest universities in USA. The admissions selection is done on the following criteria:

  • Academic record
  • Leadership Skiils
  • English Proficiency test scores of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE
  • A weighted GPA
  • Standardized test scores

Northern Illinois University Interview Process

Northern Illinois University offers several scholarships for international students. Interviews in Northern Illinois University admissions are 50 minutes with two members of the selection committee and are followed by a separate 15-minute phone call with the student. Candidates must do their homework properly before appearing for the interview. A candidate may face either general questions, behavioral questions, technical questions, etc. Some of the questions that candidates might face in the interview are given below:

  • Describe yourself
  • Which college subjects did you like best? Least? Why?
  • Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
  • What is your GPA, and do you think it is a good indication of your academic achievement?
  • What have your learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
  • What are your long- and short-range career goals?
  • Why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing to achieve them?
  • Give me an example of any major problem you faced and how you solved it.
  • Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

International candidates must properly check all the admission deadlines of their preferred program before applying. They can also request for Northern Illinois University application fee waiver in the admissions department of the University.

FAQs

Ques: What are NIU's application deadlines?

Ans: There are various deadlines depending on your application term (early action, regular decision, etc.) and transfer status. If you are an first year student the application deadline for fall semester is May 1 and spring semester is October 1. Some graduate programs have similar deadlines while some varies. Check with your department before applying. 

Ques: What GPA is required for admission to NIU?

Ans: NIU considers a variety of factors, but a competitive GPA typically falls in the 3.0-3.5 range. However, strong essays and extracurriculars can help even with a slightly lower GPA. 

Ques: Does NIU require standardized tests?

Ans: Standardized tests are currently optional for all first-year applicants. However, some scholarships may still consider them. Check with the Office of Admissions or specific scholarships for details.

Ques: What are the application requirements for NIU?

Ans: The basic requirements include a completed application, official transcripts, and application fee.  Additional documents like essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores (optional) might be required depending on your program. See the full list on the NIU admissions website.

Ques: What is the acceptance rate at NIU?

Ans: The acceptance rate at NIU fluctuates but is generally around 71%. This means a strong application can significantly improve your chances. However, acceptance rate depends on factors like number of seat available, number of applicants, academic profile of the applicants and others. 

Ques: Can I apply to NIU with 6.0 IELTS?

Ans: You can apply to NIU with an IELTS score of 6.0. This is the minimum eligibility criteria for admission to this university. Moreover, you can submit TOEFL, PTE, DET scores equivalent to a 6.0 IELTS score. 

Ques: Does NIU offer financial aid?

Ans: Yes, NIU offers various scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help students finance their education. Explore financial aid options and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early

Ques: What are the on-campus housing options at NIU?

Ans: NIU offers various residence halls and apartments for on-campus living. Explore options, deadlines, and applications through the Housing & Residence Services website. 

Ques: What are the most popular majors at NIU?

Ans: Business, Psychology, Nursing, Criminal Justice, and Engineering are some of the most popular majors at NIU. Every year many students apply for these majors. These are also the flagship and top ranked majors of this university. 

Ques: Does NIU offer any online or part-time programs?

Ans: Yes, NIU offers various online and part-time programs to cater to diverse student needs. The online education program of NIU as regarded as one of the best as per US News and World reports ranking, 2024.

Ques: Can international students apply to NIU?

Ans: Yes, NIU welcomes international students. The admissions process is similar with some additional requirements. You have to apply directly to the university for admission. Keep an eye on your mailbox so that you never miss out any important notice. 

Ques: What is the campus life like at NIU?

Ans: NIU offers a vibrant campus life with various student organizations, clubs, activities, and events. Explore options to get involved and build a fulfilling college experience

Ques: Does NIU have any study abroad programs?

Ans: NIU offers a variety of study abroad programs to broaden your educational horizons.

Ques: How can I schedule a campus visit?

Ans: NIU offers various campus visit options, including virtual tours and in-person tours. Schedule your visit to get a feel for the campus environment. 

Ques: Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Ans: The NIU Office of Admissions is a great resource for any further questions you may have. Contact them through their website or by phone.