Dekalb, IL
Northern Illinois University is a public institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, a small suburb. The university serves 11,301 undergraduate students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 69.8%, indicating moderately selective admissions. Applicants have a reasonable likelihood of acceptance, though admission is not guaranteed.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 10,198 | 6,799 | 66.7% | 1,004 |
| Women | 13,971 | 10,231 | 73.2% | 1,198 |
Northern Illinois University admits 69.8% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 83%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Northern Illinois University's cost of attendance is $31,030, while the average net price students pay is $13,391. Students pay substantially less than the sticker price on average.
* One or more income brackets show an unusually low net price, reflecting need-based aid that can reduce cost to near zero for families in that range.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $235.
After aid, Northern Illinois University costs $13,391 a year — about 8% less than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Northern Illinois University has a graduation rate of 49.2%. Graduates earn a median of $46,113 six years after entry and $57,808 ten years after entry.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 213 |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 124 |
| Computer Science | 120 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 119 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other | 112 |
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General | 109 |
| Accounting | 104 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies | 93 |
| Elementary Education and Teaching | 77 |
| Management Science | 75 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Northern Illinois University are $51,305, and 71% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Northern Illinois University students earn $46,113 — 0% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Northern Illinois University is a public institution located in the small suburb of Dekalb, Illinois, with an undergraduate enrollment of 11,301 students. The student body includes 53% women, 47.3% Pell grant recipients, and 38.3% first-generation students.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
415 of 9,895 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
923 of 11,358 undergraduates study entirely at a distance, against 1,274 of 4,146 graduate students.
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Northern Illinois University is in DeKalb, IL, in what IPEDS classifies as a small suburb setting. The campus sits about 1 miles from the center of DeKalb. There is 1 other college within 25 miles, and Rockford, IL is 27.2 miles away.
DeKalb County scores 7.0 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — below average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 20.8% of DeKalb's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Northern Illinois University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Northern Illinois University reported 11 arrests and 79 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Northern Illinois University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 69.8%. This means the university admits approximately seven out of every ten applicants who apply for admission.
The cost of attendance at Northern Illinois University is $31,030 per year. However, the average net price after financial aid is $13,391, making it more affordable for many students.
Northern Illinois University serves many students with financial need. Approximately 47.3% of undergraduates receive Pell grants, and 46.7% borrow federal loans to help finance their education.
Northern Illinois University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, meaning students have reasonable access to faculty for instruction and academic support.
Northern Illinois University has a graduation rate of 49.2%. This reflects the percentage of students who complete their undergraduate degree within a standard timeframe.
The median federal debt at graduation for Northern Illinois University students is $22,162. About 46.7% of students borrow federal loans to help pay for their education.
Graduates earn a median of $46,113 six years after entering the university and $57,808 ten years after entry. These earnings reflect career growth over time.
Northern Illinois University has a three-year federal loan repayment rate of 60.1%, meaning the majority of borrowers are making progress repaying their student loans.
Northern Illinois University has an undergraduate enrollment of 11,301 students. The campus is located in Dekalb, Illinois, a small suburb setting.
Approximately 38.3% of Northern Illinois University students are first-generation college students. Additionally, 53.0% of the undergraduate population is female.