Northern Illinois University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Northern Illinois University is 70.68%. This means that 71 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Northern Illinois University Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the Northern Illinois University is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Northern Illinois University Admission Requirements
Northern Illinois University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Northern Illinois University is 3.3. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3 and 3.3, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.9 is required.
Can I Get Into Northern Illinois University Without SAT Or ACT?: Northern Illinois University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Northern Illinois University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Northern Illinois University Average SAT Score: 1055
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Northern Illinois University is 1055 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Northern Illinois University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1055 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Northern Illinois University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Northern Illinois University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Northern Illinois University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1055 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at Northern Illinois University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Northern Illinois University with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Northern Illinois University are good but the admission staff at Northern Illinois University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Northern Illinois University Profile
Name: Northern Illinois University
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Northern Illinois University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Northern Illinois University is USD: 26534. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Northern Illinois University is USD: 13484
How can I get a scholarship?
45.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.27 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Northern Illinois University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Northern Illinois University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Northern Illinois University as your choice in the form.
How much a Northern Illinois University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Northern Illinois University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 57808. An average Northern Illinois University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Northern Illinois University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Northern Illinois University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1011 | 21 |
| Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1025 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 1020 | 20 |
| Thomas University | Thomas University, GA | 1010 | 18 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Northern Illinois University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Northern Illinois University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Northern Illinois University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Air Force ROTC, Air Science and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
Full list of All degree programs offered by Northern Illinois University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.