About

About Northeastern Illinois University

masters level programsbusiness and education focussmall class sizestest optional admissions

Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL, known for its masters level programs, business and education focus, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 63%, NIU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 516 students each year. NIU is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. NIU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,308 per year; the sticker price of $41,606 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Northeastern Illinois University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

63%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northeastern Illinois University

Essay Strategy
NEIU is deeply rooted in Chicago's northwest side and serves a highly diverse urban community, so if you have ties to Chicago neighborhoods, immigrant communities, or urban public schools, weave that into your personal statement to show genuine fit with the student body NEIU actively cultivates.
Extracurriculars
NEIU values students who are engaged in their local communities, so highlight any involvement in Chicago-area organizations, community service, or culturally focused activities because this directly mirrors the mission-driven profile the school looks for in applicants.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Northeastern Illinois University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$42k/yr$13.7k
30k-48k~$42k/yr$12.8k
48k-75k~$42k/yr$15.1k
75k-110k~$42k/yr$20.5k
110k+~$42k/yr$25.0k

Not sure what Northeastern Illinois University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Northeastern Illinois University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Northeastern Illinois University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

17%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$44k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
3,465
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

52%Hispanic
16%White
12%Black / African American
8%Unknown / Unreported
8%Asian
2%Two or More Races
1%International
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender43% Men · 57% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
NIU, Chicago Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch