The university has since grown into a world-class university that attracts students from around the globe while still serving the northern Illinois region, and yet two traditions established in 1899 remain paramount today. The Illinois General Assembly granted NIU its own governing board in 1996

Northern Illinois University enrolls more than 25,000 students. NIU consists of seven degree-granting colleges. It offers 3 undergraduate majors, 78 graduate programs, including 11 Ph.D. programs, doctoral degrees in education and the Juris Doctorate. Average class size is 28 students.

NIU is nationally known for its extensive study abroad experiences. Students can earn academic credit that applies to their degree program while studying abroad for a semester, academic year or during summer and winter breaks. NIU offers dozens of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses at its three regional centers, through partnerships with Elgin, Rock Valley and Waubonsee community colleges and through the Internet.

Each fall approximately 2,000 students transfer to NIU and of this number, about 75 percent are Illinois public community college transfer students. Approximately 1,000 transfer students enter NIU for the spring and summer terms

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central 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 which are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education

Participants:

ESL program provides support services for non-native speakers of English. The program is staffed by tutors who have experience helping clients with spoken English, listening comprehension, grammar and mechanics, writing, and culture. The ESL Program is open to students, faculty members, visiting scholars, and members of the clerical and operating staffs. 

Tuition
Application fee (nonrefundable): $30.00
Enrollment certification fee: $3.50
$508.00 per credit hour