Northeastern Illinois University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Northeastern Illinois University is 62.7%. This means that 63 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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.
Northeastern Illinois University Admission Requirements
Northeastern Illinois University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Northeastern Illinois University is 3.1. 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 2.8 and 3.1, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required.
Can I Get Into Northeastern Illinois University Without SAT Or ACT?: Northeastern Illinois University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. 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.
Northeastern 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.
Northeastern Illinois University Average SAT Score: 910
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Northeastern Illinois University is 910 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Northeastern Illinois University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 910 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. Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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.
Northeastern 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 | 910 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at Northeastern 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 900
Can I get into Northeastern Illinois University with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Northeastern Illinois University are good but the admission staff at Northeastern 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.
Northeastern Illinois University Profile
Name: Northeastern Illinois University
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Northeastern Illinois University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Northeastern Illinois University is USD: 24517. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Northeastern Illinois University is USD: 13209
How can I get a scholarship?
50.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 22.18 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Northeastern Illinois University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Northeastern 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 Northeastern Illinois University as your choice in the form.
How much a Northeastern Illinois University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Northeastern Illinois University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 52234. An average Northeastern 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 Northeastern Illinois University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Northeastern Illinois University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | 878 | 16 |
Gallaudet University | Gallaudet University, DC | 896 | 17 |
Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley State University, GA | 871 | 18 |
Kentucky State University | Kentucky State University, KY | 889 | 17 |
Mississippi Valley State University | Mississippi Valley State University, MS | 870 | 16 |
Bloomfield College | Bloomfield College, NJ | 862 | 15 |
Villa Maria College | Villa Maria College, NY | 895 | NA |
Livingstone College | Livingstone College, NC | 887 | 18 |
Benedict College | Benedict College, SC | 900 | NA |
Virginia Union University | Virginia Union University, VA | 900 | NA |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Northeastern Illinois University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Northeastern Illinois University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 920 | 17 |
Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 903 | 17 |
St Luke's College | St Luke's College, IA | 910 | 17 |
Bowie State University | Bowie State University, MD | 910 | NA |
Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville State University, NC | 915 | 17 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Northeastern Illinois University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 963 | 18 |
Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 960 | NA |
Trinity Baptist College | Trinity Baptist College, FL | 987 | 19 |
Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 966 | 19 |
Warner University | Warner University, FL | 968 | 19 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions About Northeastern Illinois University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52234 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24517 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Northeastern Illinois University is 62.7 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.1. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 2.8, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Northeastern Illinois University with a 2.8 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.7 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Northeastern Illinois University if my GPA is below 2.7
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.1, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Northeastern Illinois University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Northeastern Illinois University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: The campus culture at Northeastern Illinois University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Northeastern Illinois University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Northeastern 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.