Northern Illinois University

Thrive in an authentic college-town atmosphere only 65 miles west of downtown Chicago.

With over 19,000 total students, including nearly 5,000 graduate students, we have a diverse and inclusive community where you can study 88 degree offerings within a wide variety of disciplines.

Our graduate students take advantage of outstanding opportunities for research, innovation, and hands-on learning across every academic program. 

Our NIU community reaches far beyond DeKalb, with off-site campuses in Rockford, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Chicago and Oregon, Ill. We are proud to have 150,000 NIU alumni living in Illinois!

Our university and individual programs of study rank nationally year after year. Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies NIU as a High Research Activity University.

We value diversity in our programs, faculty, and most importantly, in our students.

Graduate assistantships are available to degree-seeking students so they can engage in important mentored research, teaching or service while enrolled full-time. Graduate assistants often perform assigned duties in their home department, but assistantships may be available in administrative units on campus as well.

We have tuition waivers available as allowed by university policy and state regulations and administer through a series of competitively-awarded waiver programs.