Transferring to NIU — Northern Illinois University

Transferring to NIU

From dreamers to doers.

“Applying to colleges can be overwhelming, but for good reason. You are looking for a university to spend the next four or so years of your life. Take time to learn about the school and what is has to offer. Lastly, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. You will never know your true potential if you do not challenge yourself.”

— Rafael Casas, LaSalle, Illinois, B.S. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, ’21

We’re more.

More than affordable. More than high-quality academics and hands-on research opportunities. More than a beautiful campus located 65 miles west of Chicago. More than a fun, welcoming community.

We’re more than you expect. We believe in you and your potential. This is your next step, and we’ll light the path for you and make sure you have the support and resources to grow

and thrive at NIU. We believe our life-changing university experience should be within reach of everyone. We know that the differences, along with the commonalities, of all who live, study and work here shape and strengthen our Huskie pack in meaningful ways.

Our growing diversity is among our greatest strengths.

This is a place where you’ll feel welcome, included, valued and heard.

You’re worth investing in.

You can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a college education if you want. Just not at NIU. We offer ways to make college affordable.

Learn More for Less: You aren’t charged more if you take more than 12 credit hours in the fall or spring semesters. Most classes are three credit hours, so you can take five (or more) classes for the price of four.

Huskie Installment Plan: Spread your tuition payments over the semester instead of making one lump-sum payment.

Truth in Tuition: Pay a fixed tuition rate for four continuous years. All degree-seeking undergraduate U.S. citizens and permanent residents who graduated from a U.S. high school are eligible. Estimated costs for 2022-23 academic year

Tuition and Fees $12,470

Mandatory fees and 12-plus credit hours/semester annually. go.niu.edu/undergraduate-tuition

Room and Board (optional for transfer students) $11,348

Annual cost for a double room in Stevenson Hall and the Huskie Block 12 meal plan. Other rooming options are available.

Total $23,818

Note: These rates reflect the pricing for students starting in the 2022-2023 academic year and are subject to change for upcoming terms. These rates do not include student health insurance of $1,329.50 per semester. This is a mandatory fee for students who do not otherwise have coverage. Some academic programs may have higher tuition rates. These rates do not include material fees which can vary.

Check out our Planning and Cost Estimator at go.niu.edu/estimate-tuition .

Merit Scholarships

By pursuing a college degree, you’re making an investment in yourself, your family and your future. We want to help.

When you apply for admission as a transfer student, you’ll automatically be considered for one of the following merit scholarships:

We’ve added millions of dollars in new scholarships, and over 88% of our undergraduate students receive support paying for college.

GPA Range

Dollar Amount

3.50-4.0 GPA $2,000 per year for two years

3.25-3.49 GPA $1,500 per year for two years

3.00-3.24 GPA $1,000 per year for two years

You many be NIU Partner Awards based on financial need and other eligibility factors given as part of NIU’s matching commitment to the state of Illinois’ AIM HIGH. Students who file a FAFSA by February 1 and meet both the AIM HIGH criteria and the special population criteria will be considered for an award. These include the Transfer Achievement Award ($2,000), Kishwaukee College Transfer Scholarship ($3,000) and the City Colleges of Chicago STARS Transfer Scholarship ($3,000).

Your application for admission plus all required documents must be received by the priority deadline to be considered

for a merit scholarship. However, merit scholarships will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis after the priority deadline if funds remain available.

Find out more at go.niu.edu/merit

Priority scholarship deadlines:

• Oct. 1 for spring admission.

• Dec. 1 (first-year students) and March 1 (transfers) for summer or fall admission.

File Your FAFSA

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting Oct. 1 at studentaid.gov. You should do this every year you are enrolled as a college student.

awarded in NIU scholarships.

Top Transfer Majors (Fall 2022) 1. B.A. and B.S. in Psychology.

B.S. in Computer Science/ Pre-Computer Science.

B.S. in Business Administration.

of incoming transfer students received a merit scholarship in fall 2022.

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. 5. (tie) B.S. Ed in Elementary Education and B.S. in Health Sciences.

Get ready to be inspired

It sounds cliché but it’s true — what you get out of college is what you put into it. NIU makes it easy to immerse yourself in learning with programs that tap into what moves you.

We have the resources you need and the flexibility you want with more than 100 areas of study among our seven colleges:

• Business.

• Education.

• Engineering and Engineering Technology.

• Health and Human Sciences.

• Law.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences.

• Visual and Performing Arts.

NIU faculty are scholars, teachers, researchers, mentors and academic leaders who bring a diverse range of expertise and experiences into the classroom. They’re here to get to know you, listen to your story and guide you as you achieve amazing outcomes.

Many of NIU’s academic programs are nationally accredited for meeting the highest standards of academic quality and rigor.

Undecided? That’s OK. Our Academic Advising Center will help you identify majors that align with your interests, values and skills. We’ll assist you when selecting courses to help you explore, and even suggest majors or career paths that play to your strengths.

Learn more at niu.edu/advising.

Undergraduate Research and Engagement

Some universities focus their research opportunities on faculty and graduate students. Not NIU.

We know that undergraduates often have big ideas for research, so we give you the chance to do it on campus, in the community and even in another country.

Undergraduate research and artistry programs at NIU allow you to explore the unknown through hands-on experiences with faculty members.

Explore questions that interest you, work with a faculty mentor and build a foundation for professional or graduate work. You may do undergraduate research in your major or another field of interest.

We know that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. If you’re passionate about social justice, the environment, climate change, fighting inequity and more, we’ll give you the power to act, improve communities and your future.

Our engaged-learning opportunities throughout the community and beyond will help you prepare for both career and life success, and we’ll even help you fund your involvement.

Learn more at go.niu.edu/hands-on-learning.

Supporting you on your journey.

At NIU, you’re not just a face in a crowded lecture hall. We want our Huskies to live well and feel their best, and we provide a range of individualized resources to help you stay healthy, emotionally well and prepared to change the world, like Huskies do. A little help goes a long way.

Center for Student Assistance

We provide a one-stop hub for advocacy, support and additional resources. This is your go-to place with any questions as a Huskie.

Huskie Academic Support Center

Huskies never have to fend for themselves in the classroom. We offer everything you need to achieve your academic potential. We’ll help with subjects like math and chemistry, writing and research projects, study skills and time management.

Learn more at go.niu.edu/explore-resources.

Student Financial Advising Services

Our financial advisors educate and advise you and your family members on financial aid, tuition and fees and general financial literacy. We also connect you to other campus support services as you navigate your college journey.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Office

Applying for aid may seem daunting, but we make it easy to access assistance. We can help you understand the many types of financial assistance available, including scholarships, grants, loans and federal work-study, and how to apply for them.

Nearly half of our students are transfers. From housing just for transfers to unique courses to transfer-friendly student organizations, fraternities and sororities, you’ll find everything you need to dive into the university experience, make friends and have fun.

We’re one of few universities with transferspecific counselors to help you smoothly transfer. And we’ll support your journey through college and beyond with resources for transfer students like you, including:

Transfer2Transfer Mentorship Program

We’ll match you with another student who has successfully transferred to NIU. You’ll learn the ropes of university life from a mentor, who will be with you every step of the way.

Campus Child Care

Huskies find affordable, high quality care and learning opportunities for their children at the Child Development and Family Center, conveniently located on campus.

Commuter and Off-Campus Programs

We’ll connect you with resources to find offcampus housing, places to study, child care options, parking lots and bus routes to get you where you need to be on time.

Military and Veteran Services

We serve all veteran, active duty, National Guard and Reservists and their families with extensive resources, such as student coaching, financial resources and more.

We offer resources to meet the needs to transfer students like you, including:

• Our transfer experience course.

• Peer mentoring.

• Honors programming.

• Commuter and off-campus programs.

• On-campus child care.

• Transfer-friendly student organizations, including fraternities and sororities.

You belong at NIU.

Get involved.

With a variety of activities to choose from, you’re sure to find something at NIU that brings out your inner Huskie.

Cheer on our Huskie athletes. Take a seat at one of our live music or theater productions. Enjoy our art galleries and museums. Support a cause you believe in. Celebrate your culture. Take on a leadership role. You’ll have countless opportunities to go all-in at NIU. Learn more at go.niu.edu/you-belong

Student Organizations

Our 200-plus organizations allow you to connect with culture, discover a cause you’re passionate about, find a creative outlet, volunteer, have fun and so much more.

And if you’re not able to find that one perfect student organization, you can create it!

Student Government

Our Student Government Association is among the many ways to make your voice heard at NIU. Playing a vital role in the university’s system of shared governance, the SGA represents our diverse student body to the administration.

Student leaders also work hard to support all Huskies by cultivating a fun, engaging college experience.

Cultural Resource Centers

Our vibrant Cultural Resource Centers are places rich in expertise and history where students can participate in programs and events. They include:

• Asian-American Center.

• Center for Black Studies.

• Disability Resource Center.

• Latino Resource Center.

• Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.

• Military and Veteran Services.

• Undocumented Student Services.

Fraternities and Sororities

Reflecting the diversity of our campus, our fraternities and sororities provide leadership growth and personal development, along with a network of support and influence. They’re committed to serving the world around them.

Study Abroad

Employers like to hire graduates who’ve experienced a bit of the world. With our Study Abroad programs, you can stay anywhere from 10 days up to a year in one of 80 countries. Financial aid and scholarships can help you make it happen.

Accelerated Programs

If you’re a high-achieving student who wants a faster track out of school and into the world, be sure to check out our accelerated programs that let you finish your M.A., M.S. or J.D. degree in a shorter time frame.

Career Services

If you’re serious about building a career for your future, you’ll want to get to know our Career Services team. They’ll help connect you with jobs on campus and off, including top places to work in Chicago and beyond. We’re one of only six schools in the nation to offer a leadership and career accelerator course taught by working professionals through a new partnership with Braven, a nonprofit organization that empowers college students with the skills, networks, experience and confidence to land a strong job or internship. Students who participate in the Braven program are outpacing their peers in attaining a strong job out of college.

CHANCE Program

Our CHANCE program recognizes students’ talents, motivation and drive to succeed. Identified through an online nomination process, participating students receive one-on-one support from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

University Honors Program

Our NIU Honors Program nurtures motivated students to achieve their highest potential. Get access to exclusive courses, scholarships, research opportunities, peer mentoring and the opportunity to live in Honors student housing.

FACTS

Home away from home.

Choose from one of our five residence halls or Northern View, for apartment-style living. As a transfer student, you can opt for Gilbert Hall which offers a convenient residential option in the heart of campus, near arts, engineering and business classes, that is not available to freshmen students.

Living on campus means comfortable, furnished rooms, 24-hour secure hall access, laundry rooms in each hall, wi-fi and convenient access to Anywhere Printing from your devices. Our highly trained staff members are available 24/7 in each community.

Learn more at niu.edu/housing.

Rather live off campus?

We have resources just for you. In the Campus Life Building, Military and Veteran Services features space for our military students and their families to study, relax and create community, while Commuter and Off-Campus Programs provides computer access, coffee and support services for students who live off campus, commute, have children or learn online.

We offer off-campus student meal plans to provide flexibility to commuters and students living off campus.

We offer resources to meet the needs to transfer students like you, including:

• Our transfer experience course.

• Peer mentoring.

• Honors programming.

• Commuter and off-campus programs.

• On-campus child care.

• Transfer-friendly student organizations, including fraternities and sororities.

Over

We just love our campus town.

Home to NIU’s 765 acre campus, DeKalb offers the true college town experience with exposure to the city of Chicago, its flourishing suburbs and the opportunities both have to offer. (Think internships, jobs, culture and more.)

You’ll find festivals, plenty of places to eat, space to enjoy nature and all sorts of entertainment. The area’s late-August Corn Fest is a fall tradition that draws the campus and the community.

Explore DeKalb’s outdoor amenities, including a skate park, a dog park, a 9-hole disc golf course and several walking trails.

In downtown DeKalb, you’ll find plenty of eclectic shops and restaurants, as well as the historic Egyptian Theatre and the Fargo Indoor Skatepark.

Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, an antique shop, a farmer’s market, a caffeine boost, a selfie backdrop, a road trip, a place to hang a hammock, an adventure or a home, you’ll find it all here.

Explore and visit. Choose the visit experience that works for you. We offer both in-person and virtual experiences. Find out more at go.niu.edu/plan-a-visit .

Come see our campus. In addition to Preview Days, we offer in-person campus visits. Reserve your day and arrival time, and spend a morning or afternoon with us.

Attend a transfer-specific info session. Join one of our virtual presentation sessions, Transfers Get Information Friday (TGIF), to learn next steps and information just for transfer students.

Connect with us. Want a chance to ask more specific questions and get personalized answers? Take advantage of our virtual appointments where you can talk one-on-one with an admissions counselor. (Disponible en español.)

Transfer credits and programs.

Will My Credits Transfer?

We want you to get the credit you’ve earned. See how your courses will transfer to NIU and what courses you should be taking for your intended major using our Transfer Course Equivalencies and Major Guides website. go.niu.edu/transfer-credits

How will I know if my courses transfer to NIU?

An evaluation of your transfer credits will be available one to two weeks after you have been admitted. You may view the transfer credit report in MyNIU by going to your Student Center. myniu.niu.edu

Guaranteed Admission Program

If you currently attend a participating community college, the Guaranteed Admission Program makes it possible for you to be admitted to NIU. go.niu.edu/gap

Community College Partnerships

Our community college partner agreements mean you can start your four-year degree at a community college near you and seamlessly transition into a Huskie before you graduate. Even if you don’t complete your associate’s degree at your community college, we have reverse transfer partnerships with seven community colleges. go.niu.edu/cc-partners

Compact Benefits for Public Community College Graduates

A graduate of a regionally accredited U.S. public community college who has not previously attended NIU will be admitted as long as there is space available. The student will enter with junior standing and all NIU general education requirements will be considered complete if the student has met the required qualifications prior to enrolling at NIU. go.niu.edu/compact

Requirements for Transfer Admissions

If you have earned 12 semester hours or less of college credit: You’ll be evaluated as a freshman for admission purposes and must meet the current freshman admission requirements. The Grade Point Average (GPA) earned for the attempted 12 hours or less will not affect the admission decision.

If you have earned 13-23 semester hours of college credit: You must:

• Meet current freshman admission requirements.

• Be in good standing at the last college/university attended.

• Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/ universities attended (as computed by NIU standards).

If you have earned 24 or more semester hours of college credit.

You must:

• Be in good standing at the last college/university attended.

• Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards).

NIU Majors 2022-2023

Important dates.

When to Apply

It’s free to apply on our website. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. You can apply after the following dates:

Term Apply After

Summer 2023 Aug. 1, 2022 Fall 2023 Aug. 1, 2022 Spring 2024 May 1, 2023

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

The completed application and all supporting documents must be on file in our Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. However, early application is strongly recommended. Learn more at go.niu.edu/apply-now

Term Deadline

Summer May 15 Fall Aug. 1 Spring Dec. 1

Please note that the actual size of the new class will be determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of academic programs. The schedule on which applications will be reviewed provides for competitive admissions on a space-available basis. Thus, space limitations and/or budget constraints may necessitate earlier deadlines. Students whose high school GPAs fall within the published guidelines for holistic review are asked to submit and complete their applications according to the Freshman Petition Review deadlines.

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Oct. 1 : Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available. File your FAFSA as soon as possible each year.

Oct. 1 : Priority deadline for spring merit scholarships.

Nov. 15: Application cycle opens for MyScholarships. Apply for competitive scholarships at go.niu.edu/myscholarships.

March 1 : Priority deadline for fall transfer merit scholarships.

College of Business

• Accountancy (B.S.)

• Business Administration (B.S.)

• Hospitality and Tourism Management

• Finance (B.S.)

• Management (B.S.)

• Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility

• Human Resource Management

• Leadership and Management

• Marketing (B.S.)

• Operations and Information Management (B.S.)

College of Education

• Applied Management (B.S.) (Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment)

• Equity Leadership and Mentoring

• Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation

• Early Childhood Education (B.S.)

• PEL with Early Childhood Education Endorsement and Preschool Special Education Approval (SEED)

• Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.)

• Bilingual/ESL

• Early Childhood Education

• Early Childhood Education with Special Education Approval

• Elementary Mathematics Education

• Reading Teacher

• Special Education

• Kinesiology (B.S.)

• Middle Level Teaching and Learning (B.S.Ed.)

• Physical Education (B.S.Ed.)

• Special Education (B.S.Ed.)

• Learning Behavior Specialist I with PEL

• Special Populations

• Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

• Visual Impairments with PEL

• Sport Management (B.S.)

College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

• Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)

• Biomaterials and Biomechanics

• Biomedical Instrumentation, Sensors and Signal Processing

• Electrical Engineering (B.S.)

• Engineering Technology (B.S.)

• Applied Manufacturing Technology

• Electrical Engineering Technology

• Energy and Environmental Engineering Technology

• Industrial Management and Technology

• Manufacturing Engineering Technology

• Industrial and Systems Engineering (B.S.)

• Engineering Management

• Health Systems Engineering

• Manufacturing Systems

• Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)

• Advanced Computing and Simulation

• Robotics and Controls

• Sustainable Energy

• Mechatronics Engineering (B.S.)

College of Health and Human Sciences

• Communicative Disorders (B.S.)

• Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology

• Fashion Merchandising (B.S.)

• Health Sciences (B.S.)

• Degree Completion

• General

• Pre-physical Therapy

• Human Development and Family Sciences, Comprehensive Major (B.S.)

• Child Development

• Family Relations, Prevention and Wellness

• Family Social Services

• Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.S.)

• Nursing (B.S.)

• Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness (B.S.)

• Public Health (B.S.)

• Environment and Health

• General Public Health

• Health Administration

• Health Promotion

• Rehabilitation and Disability Services (B.S.)

NIU Majors 2022-2023

More ➤

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Actuarial Science (B.S.)

• Anthropology (B.A. or B.S.)

• Environment and Evolution

• General Anthropology

• Language, Culture and Mind

• Social Complexity and Inequality

• Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)

• Biological Sciences (B.S.)

• Chemistry (B.S.)

• Biochemistry

• Chemistry

• Chemistry for Pre-professional Students

• Secondary Teaching

• Communication Studies (B.A. or B.S.)

• Advocacy and Public Communication

• Media Studies

• Organizational/Corporate Communication

• Computer Science (B.S.)

• Computational Software

• Enterprise Software

• Software Development

• Economics (B.A. or B.S.)

• Financial Economics (B.S. only)

• English (B.A. or B.S.)

• English Studies in Literature, Language and Film

• English Studies in Writing

• English Studies Leading to Secondary Licensure in English Language Arts

• Environmental Studies (B.A. or B.S.)

• Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration

• Educator Licensure — Environmental Science

• Energy Studies

• Environmental Policy

• Nature in Society

• Sustainable Food Systems

• Water Sciences

• Geography (B.A. or B.S.)

• Geology and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.)

• Earth and Space Science Education

• Environmental Geosciences

• Geology

• History (B.A. or B.S.)

• Journalism (B.A. or B.S.)

• Mathematical Sciences (B.S.)

• Applied Mathematics

• Computational Mathematics

• General Mathematics

• Mathematics Education

• Meteorology (B.S.)

• Nonprofit and NGO Studies (B.A. or B.S.)

• Philosophy (B.A. or B.S.)

• Physics (B.S.)

• Applied Physics

• Professional Physics for Graduate Study

• Secondary School Teaching

• Political Science (B.A. or B.S.)

• International Politics

• Justice and Democracy: The American Experiment

• Politics and Governance

• Public Administration and Service

• Public Law

• Psychology (B.A. or B.S.)

• Public Service Leadership (B.S.) (School of Public and Global Affairs)

• Sociology (B.A. or B.S.)

• Criminology

• General Sociology

• Statistics (B.S.)

• Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (B.A. or B.S.)

• World Languages and Cultures (B.A.)

• French and Francophone Studies

• German Studies

• Spanish and Hispanic Studies

College of Visual and Performing Arts

• Art (B.A. or B.S.)

• Art and Design Education (B.S.Ed.)

• Art History and Visual Studies (B.A.)

• Art Studio and Design (B.F.A.)

• Art Studio

• Ceramics

• Drawing

• Fiber

• Illustration

• Metalwork, Jewelry Design and Digital Fabrication

• Painting

• Printmaking

• Sculpture

• Design and Media Arts

• Photography

• Time Arts

• Visual Communication

• Dance Performance (B.F.A.)

• Music (B.A.)

• Music (B.M.)

• Composition

• Music Education

• Performance

• Theatre Arts (B.F.A.)

• Acting

• Design and Technology

• Theatre Studies (B.A.)

Pre-professional Studies

• Combined Degree Program in Physics and Engineering

• Pre-dentistry

• Pre-law

• Pre-medicine

• Pre-optometry

• Pre-pharmacy

• Pre-veterinary Medicine

Ready to learn more about NIU? Start here.