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Chicago , IL
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1867, NEIU has a rich history and is known for its dedication to excellence in teaching and learning. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including arts and sciences, education, business, and social work.
One of the key strengths of NEIU is its commitment to serving a diverse student population. The university prides itself on being a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with a strong focus on supporting first-generation college students and providing access to higher education for underrepresented communities. NEIU also values inclusivity and promotes a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting educational equity.
With its prime location in the vibrant city of Chicago, NEIU offers students unique opportunities for internships, networking, and experiential learning. Students can engage in research projects, internships, and community service initiatives that connect them to the broader Chicago community. Additionally, NEIU's extensive alumni network provides valuable connections and resources for current students as they transition into their careers.
Overall, Northeastern Illinois University stands as a respected institution that is dedicated to providing a quality education to a diverse student body. With its inclusive approach, strong academic programs, and abundant opportunities for experiential learning, NEIU equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields.
Located in Chicago, IL and set in an urban environment, Northeastern Illinois University is a public comprehensive higher education institution. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 74%. The freshman retention rate at Northeastern Illinois University is 52.3% and the six-year graduation rate is 22%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is August 1. Find out more about what you can expect if you get into Northeastern Illinois University.
Quick Facts
4,226
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
22%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to find out as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the institution in order to increase your chances of being accepted. Here are the most relevant information you should know about admission policy and requirements at Northeastern Illinois University.
In 2025, the school accepted 6,622 new students. Northeastern Illinois University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of students who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 10.41% and ACT scores 1.06%. 8% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between between 1,200 and 1,399, 25.42% between 1,000 and 1,199, 47.46% between 800 and 999, 27.12% of the students between 600 and 799, and 2% of the students between 400 and 599. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 33.33, 33 between 24-29, 16.67 in the range between 18-23, and 50 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the accepted students in 2025 was 18 and the average GPA was 2.88.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by August 1.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
The freshman retention rate for Northeastern Illinois University was 52.3% in 2025.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 22%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the perfect match for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school enrolled 5,734 students.
That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 3. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 4,226, 50 of which were foreign students. The number of transfer students at this school was 682.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,251 male and 1,730 female full-time students in 2025. 181 full-time graduate men and 306 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to focusing on the diversity of its student body and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. A diverse student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 308, while the number of Afro-American students was 479. 2,084 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 80 as multirace. The school also had 6 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 11 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 336 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into consideration when applying to any college or university is the financial component. Here are some details you should know about the expenses at Northeastern Illinois University that the majority of students face.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for Northeastern Illinois University is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
According to the reports from public county and municipal institutions, tuition fees were $10,343 for area residents. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $20,686. For the students coming from abroad, tuition at this school was $20,686, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students reached $2,040 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $20,686 | $2,040 | $22,726 |
| In-State | $10,343 | $2,040 | $12,383 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to take into account the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. Most students have to give about $1,920 for books and supplies during their time at Northeastern Illinois University.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?
In 2025, the price of room and board at Northeastern Illinois University was $10,810 per academic year. If you only wanted a room on the campus, it cost $10,810 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $5,220.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 10,343 |
| Room and Board | $ 10,810 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,920 |
| Total Expense | $ 23,073 |
Financial Aid
Obtaining some financial support in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be very important for finishing your studies. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Northeastern Illinois University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 442 freshmen. The average financial aid package awarded to students reached $2,863.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 1,814 students who received need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Northeastern Illinois University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 1,967. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $13,086,045, and state $14,825,043. The students of Northeastern Illinois University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $1,243,233, and external in the amount of $147,650.
$1,558
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 44 students overall (including freshmen) at Northeastern Illinois University in 2025. 21 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $1,092,443. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)
Majors
Faculty
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
In 2025, this ratio at Northeastern Illinois University was 11:1. That means that there were 11 times more students than teachers at this school. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 441. Out of that number, there were 206 men and 235 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Northeastern Illinois University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at Northeastern Illinois University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Check out some details about social life at Northeastern Illinois University.
Its campus spans 67 acres.
Student Organizations
Involvement in student organizations can make your educational experience more dynamic and gratifying.
That includes sororities and fraternities. The student organization that is most favored by students is Computer Science Society, followed by Accounting Associates and ASSW - Association of Student Social Workers. Other popular organizations at Northeastern Illinois University are United Greek Council and Student Government Association.
There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a passion for media and communication? Northeastern Illinois University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Northeastern Illinois University provides a number of services necessary for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates 24 hours a day. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Northeastern Illinois University.
All in all, campus life at Northeastern Illinois University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Northeastern Illinois University.
Career Counselling
At Northeastern Illinois University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Northeastern Illinois University is located in Chicago, IL.
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Northeastern Illinois University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Northeastern Illinois University is 74%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Northeastern Illinois University is 52.3%.
Contact Information
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago , IL
60625-4699
773 583-4050
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
