At a Glance
Northern Illinois University is a mid-size public university in Dekalb, IL. Approximately 11,301 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 70% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 29 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Location
Dekalb, IL
Campus Identity
Northern Illinois University is a mid-size public university in Dekalb, IL. Approximately 11,301 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 70% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 29 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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@NIUlive
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Campus Lifestyle
Northern Illinois University is a 10,000–19,999, suburban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a small greek presence Greek scene. The campus is 29 miles from Villa Olivia Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Horizon League
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
41°F avg school-year
Greek Life at Northern Illinois University
At Northern Illinois University, 3% of men are in a fraternity and 2% of women are in a sorority. Greek participation here is small, so fraternities and sororities are a minor part of campus life. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
3%
Men in fraternities
2%
Women in sororities
Small Greek Presence
Greek life scale
Nearby Ski Resorts
Northern Illinois University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Villa Olivia Ski Area, 29 miles away with 7 lifts and 15 skiable acres. All are within 50 miles of campus.
Illinois
Illinois
Wisconsin
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Dekalb, IL
Dekalb has a cool climate, with winters averaging 21°F in Jan and summers peaking around 73°F in Jul.
Station: DE KALB · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Northern Illinois University in IL earns a composite safety score of 45/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $13,248 | $13,248 |
| Fees | $2,872 | $2,872 |
| Room & Board | $12,442 | $12,442 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $28,562 | $28,562 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
140 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northern Illinois University located?
Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL. The main campus address is 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, IL. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%, making it moderately selective. Out of 23,651 applicants, 16,505 were admitted in the most recent year. 11,301 enrolled.
How many students attend Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University enrolls 11,301 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend Northern Illinois University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Northern Illinois University charges $13,248/year for in-state students and $13,248/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,442/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $12,478/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,391/year — what students actually pay. Use Northern Illinois University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Is Northern Illinois University a Division I (D1) school?
Yes. Northern Illinois University is an NCAA Division I school, part of the Horizon League. Division I is the top tier of NCAA athletics, home to the largest programs, athletic scholarships, and nationally televised games.
What percentage of students at Northern Illinois University are in Greek life?
At Northern Illinois University, 3% of men are in a fraternity and 2% of women are in a sorority. Greek participation here is small, so fraternities and sororities are a minor part of campus life. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
Is Northern Illinois University the right fit for me?
Whether Northern Illinois University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (70% admit rate), avg net price ($13,391/year after aid), campus culture in Dekalb, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Northern Illinois University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Northern Illinois University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Dekalb, IL
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Horizon League
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 41°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 45/100
- Nearest Airport
- Chicago/Rockford, IL (RFD) · 25 mialso DPA (27 mi), ORD (44 mi)