Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Suburb · 11,301 students
HSI
4
YearPublic
Suburb
Large (10k+)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About
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Location
Dekalb, IL, 60115-2828 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
ORD · Chicago O'Hare
44 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$28,851
Out-of-state COA
$28,851
Avg net price
$13,391
Room & board
$14,160
In-state tuition
$13,248
Out-of-state tuition
$13,248
Books & supplies
$1,200/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$10,126
$30–48k
$9,854
$48–75k
$12,797
$75–110k
$17,612
$110k+
$21,834
Admissions
Admit rate
70%
Test policy
Not required
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Essay Requirements
Northern Illinois University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
1st-yr retention
70%
Transfer-out rate
0%
Consumer completion
64%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
54%
Transferred
32%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
14%
Median earnings (6yr)
$46,113
Median earnings (10yr)
$57,808
Median debt
$22,162
Monthly loan payment
$235
Debt range (25th–75th)
$8,517–$27,644
Debt (90th percentile)
$37,991
Student Body
Men 47%Women 53%
15
:1
Student : Faculty ratio
■Students ■ Faculty
Pell grant recipients
47%
First-generation
38%
Median family income
$39,109
Independent students
20%
Veterans
0%
Avg age at entry
21.0
Part-time students
11%
Race & ethnicity
White
42%
Hispanic
26%
Black
21%
Asian
6%
Two or more
2%
Non-resident
2%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$46,113
10 years after entry
$57,808
211
153
146
139
119
110
109
101
97
95
84
83
80
69
66
63
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$115M
Classification
R2: High Research
Full-time faculty
75%
Avg faculty salary
$11,060/mo
Instructional spend/student
$14,474
Federal loan rate
47%
🎓 Wondering if Northern Illinois University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalised college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.
✅Personalised reach / match / safety list
💰Financial aid & net cost estimates
🔍Deep dives on any school
🎯Scholarship search