NIU Acceptance Rate

Northern Illinois University (NIU), located in DeKalb, Illinois, is a public research university known for its accessible undergraduate programs. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), NIU reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 70.5%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process. This rate is influenced by factors such as the size of the applicant pool, which has remained relatively stable in recent years, and a growing emphasis on holistic review processes that consider academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements. While NIU does not always publish detailed admission statistics publicly, some data can be accessed through sources like the Common Data Set or the official admissions website at niu.edu/admissions.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 70.5% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 16,000 applicants and around 11,300 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, early action rates are typically slightly higher, estimated at 75.0%.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Estimated at 65.0% based on regional norms for public universities, as NIU actively recruits globally but may have stricter criteria for international applicants.

Over the past few years, NIU’s acceptance rate has hovered around 70%, indicating a stable level of competitiveness compared to other public universities in the Midwest. The university does not offer an early decision option, so early action remains a popular choice for applicants seeking priority consideration, often yielding marginally higher acceptance rates. International student admissions may face additional scrutiny due to language proficiency requirements and visa processes, potentially lowering their acceptance rate. Compared to peer institutions like Illinois State University or Western Illinois University, NIU’s selectivity is similar, balancing accessibility with academic standards. As application trends evolve, prospective students are encouraged to focus on strong academic profiles and timely submissions to maximize their chances of admission.