This week, we’re taking a tour of Northern Illinois University!
Located in one of the most dynamic regions of the country, Northern Illinois University is in DeKalb, Illinois, just 65 miles west of downtown Chicago and 45 minutes southeast of Rockford. NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse and international student body of more than 24,000.
With 63 undergraduate majors and 70 minors in seven academic colleges, there is a good chance that NIU has what you want. NIU is home to about 1,200 faculty members. They are world-class and often world-renowned teachers and researchers, artists and scientists. They guide students on adventures in the classroom and around the world. Eighty percent of NIU’s full-time faculty members hold doctoral or terminal degrees in their fields. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 17 to 1.
At NIU, living arrangements come in all shapes and sizes. Some folks might call them singles, doubles, suites, or apartments — but students call them “home.” Lifestyle options include preferred roommate, coed, single gender, quiet lifestyle, transfer student floors, and open or restricted visitation. NIU is a lively, engaged community with over 300 recognized clubs and organizations, intramural and club sports, Division I varsity athletics, creative and performing arts, Greek life, service opportunities, and so much more.
NIU’s Convocation center is the site of big-name entertainment. Recent events include Jason Mraz, T-Pain, Martina McBride, Ben Harper and Relentless7, and O.A.R.
Huskie Athletics (Division I) strives to be a premier program centered on the student-athlete experience of academic, athletic, and personal excellence; serves as an integral component of university life; promotes school spirit; and provides quality entertainment for all students, the local community, and Chicagoland. NIU is a member of the Mid-American Conference, and entrance into games is free for students with their OneCard ID.
There are a variety of ways for students to stay active and fit at NIU. Campus Recreation offers cardio fitness power lift rooms, multiple purpose courts, indoor walking/jogging tracks, racquetball courts, pools, and fitness classes. Students can also participate in a variety of intramural and club sports, including floor and ice hockey, water polo, flag football, basketball, lacrosse, rugby, martial arts, equestrian, softball, and table tennis.
Grants, loans, campus employment, and scholarship opportunities — we have them all! With one of the most reasonable tuition rates in Illinois, an NIU education is within your reach. More than 3,000 campus jobs are available, as well as many paid internships for experience in your major.
NIU scholarships focus on academic merit, achievement, honors, talent, involvement, and financial need. Many NIU merit scholarships are offered automatically, based on the academic information submitted with your admission application. Apply early to NIU to be considered for these scholarships!
—> Want to learn more about Northern Illinois University? Check out our college profile!
