About NIU
About NIU
Welcome to NIU
At NIU, we blend academic excellence with Midwestern authenticity. Our vibrant campus community thrives on the rich diversity of perspectives, experiences and ideas that each member brings, creating an environment where innovation flourishes and everyone can excel.
We've grown from our founding as a teachers college into a premier research institution, balancing academic excellence with personal attention to every student's unique journey. Our campus pulses with possibilities — from research labs where students from all backgrounds work alongside faculty to performance spaces showcasing diverse artistic voices, from the roar of Division I athletics to intimate learning communities where every perspective enriches the discussion.
What makes NIU special is how we bring it all together: rigorous academics, hands-on research opportunities and an unwavering commitment to student success, all delivered with genuine Huskie hospitality in an environment where everyone belongs.
Who We Are
16,078
Inclusive Community
Over 16,000 students, including 12,118 undergraduates, bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our learning environment.
14:1
Personal Attention
Our 14:1 student to faculty ratio ensures every voice is heard and every student receives the mentorship they deserve.
50%
Supportive Environment
50% of our undergraduates are first in their families to attend college — reflecting our commitment to expanding opportunities and supporting every student's success.
3.42
Academic Excellence
NIU's fall 2025 freshman class achieved a record-high 3.42 GPA, with 18% earning perfect 4.0 GPAs in high school and qualifying for our top merit scholarship.
Recognition for Excellence
Our commitment to student success keeps earning national recognition.
Real Stories from Real Huskies
Every Huskie journey is unique. From first-generation students discovering new possibilities to researchers making breakthrough discoveries, from student leaders shaping campus life to graduates changing their industries — these are the voices that make NIU extraordinary.
Through their stories, see how NIU students find their passion, pursue their dreams and prepare for success. Each path is different, but they all share one thing: the power of the NIU experience.
Meet your future classmates, mentors and inspiration — and imagine your own NIU story.
Your College Town Experience
In DeKalb and Sycamore, you'll find the perfect college town atmosphere. Just an hour from Chicago, you get the best of both worlds: a welcoming community that puts students first and easy access to big-city opportunities.
You'll be able to:
- Walk to local coffee shops, restaurants and stores offering student discounts.
- Join thousands at iconic events like the Pumpkin Festival and Corn Fest.
- Find everything you need along Route 23, from familiar brands to unique local spots.
- Enjoy easy transportation between campus and both downtowns with your student ID.
- Experience a safe, welcoming community that loves hosting NIU students.
Plus, Chicago's world-class internships, cultural experiences and entertainment are just a train ride away.
More Ways to Experience NIU
Host Your Event at NIU
From conferences to competitions, our modern facilities and dedicated staff help make your event extraordinary.
Summer Programs
Get a taste of college life through our summer camps in sports, arts, science and more — perfect for future Huskies.
Regional Centers
NIU delivers flexible educational opportunities and professional development that respond directly to regional workforce demands and community interests.
History, Leadership and Values
Chartered in 1895, NIU opened in 1899 as Northern Illinois State Normal School, a teachers college that would evolve into today's comprehensive research university. Under the leadership of Dr. Lisa C. Freeman and the senior leadership team, and governed by our Board of Trustees, NIU continues to adapt and grow to meet the changing needs of our society.
Our goal remains constant: to advance social mobility, help people grow and succeed, and bring about positive change in the world.
To celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2020, we collected 125 key moments that showcase our journey from a small teachers college to a world-class research university. These stories, nominated by our campus community, paint an intimate portrait of NIU's growth and impact over more than a century.
Accreditation and Affiliation
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
NIU is included in the Research Universities – High Research Activity category of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
The university and its colleges have institutional membership or other affiliations in or with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Council on Education, Association of American Colleges and Universities, Council of Graduate Schools and Universities Research Association.
The university is also fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education to offer teacher education programs and offers several teacher certification programs that are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
For more information on accredited programs, visit Institutional Effectiveness or call 815-753-3545.