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Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university situated in one of Chicago's vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. Offering high-quality education at an affordable price, NEIU draws students from diverse backgrounds.


Overview of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)


NEIU prides itself on having a diverse student body, which proudly embraces and welcomes all types of learners - be they first-generation college students, transfer students, or adult learners; all are welcome to learn at Northeastern Illinois. The staff is committed to helping each and every one succeed.

NEIU not only boasts an interdisciplinary student body, but its urban setting also presents unique opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and networking. Nestled in a residential neighborhood of Chicago, the school provides students with a safe space to concentrate on their studies without distraction. NEIU offers an intimate campus experience, despite being located in a major city, offering students small class sizes with their very low 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, personalized teaching experiences, close relationships with professors, and a tight-knit community of learners.

NEIU has long been recognized for both academic excellence and affordability, being named one of the top regional universities by College Factual and receiving praise for providing a quality education that prepares its students for successful careers. Northeastern Illinois University provides an unparalleled college experience with all the things it has to offer.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 9 : 1
Graduation Rate 63%
Year Founded 1867

Student Enrollment


Total Students5,756

Undergraduate
4,207
Graduate
1,549

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,725
1,725
Female 2,482
2,482

Graduate Student

Male 635
635
Female 914
914

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Top Rankings For Northeastern Illinois University


NEIU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS4,603

Male 1,985
Female 2,471

ACCEPTANCE2,900

Male 1,131
Female 1,656

Acceptance Rate63%

Male 57%
Female 67%

Enrollment 522

Male 226
Female 281
Admissions
Application Fee $30
High School GPA Not Required, But Considered
High School Rank Not Considered
High School Transcripts Required To Be Considered
College Prep Courses Not Considered
Recommendations Not Considered
Formal demonstration of competencies Not Considered
Work experience Not Considered
Personal statement or essay Not Considered
Legacy status Not Considered
SAT/ACT Not Required, But Considered (Test Optional)
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) Not Considered (Test BLind)
English Proficiency Test Required To Be Considered
Application Deadline Juky 15
Common Application Accepted No

NEIU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Tuition fees at Northeastern Illinois University are designed to be cost-effective, making education at this university more easily accessible for its students. Tuition varies based on factors like residency status and program of study. In-state students typically experience lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students because this is a public institution, with in-state student education supported by local taxes.

However, NEIU provides various financial assistance options for its students to manage the cost of tuition such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. Scholarships and grants may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by the university or private entities, while work-study programs give students opportunities to work and earn money to offset educational expenses.

Tuition costs were estimated around $12,100 during the 2022-23 academic year, but students should also factor in living and other expenses when considering school costs. NEIU students can expect to incur living costs such as rent, groceries, transportation costs, and personal expenditures, and the university estimates costs of $2,400 in books and supplies, as well as up to $11,000 for room and board. Living on campus (room and board) comes with its own set of expenses; typically covering a room, meal plans, utilities, and other amenities made available to students.

NEIU understands the value of affordable education and strives to give its students access without incurring significant financial strain. Through various financial aid options and affordable living arrangements, NIU aids its students as they strive towards academic and personal success. The school’s financial aid office assisted 94% of students in a recent academic year, and the net price after financial aid was applied sat at around $14,300.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $14,262
Average Total Aid $15,143
Students Receiving Financial Aid 94%
Room & Board $10,742

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $12,101
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $22,192
  • Books and Supplies - $2,400
  • Room & Board - $10,742
  • Other - $7,218

Popular Academic Programs at NEIU


Northeastern Illinois University offers an impressive variety of programs and courses to accommodate its student body's varying academic interests and career aspirations. Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, NEIU equips its students with high-quality educations that position them for future success in life and work. University programs span arts and sciences, business, technology, education, and social sciences to give students a well-rounded education for future endeavors. Students have the freedom to explore their passions while developing valuable skills through various majors, minors, and concentrations available.

NEIU also stands out due to its highly diverse student body, which comes from various cultures and backgrounds, creating an enriching learning experience and encouraging students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and broaden their horizons. This diversity allows Northeastern Illinois students to interact more freely in class while cultivating critical thinking and broadening perspectives.

NEIU professors are highly qualified experts in their respective fields, committed to providing students with an excellent educational experience that prepares them for success in professional life. These professors focus on creating rigorous academic experiences which equip students with all the tools needed for professional success.

Student Population Total


Student Population 5,756

Undergraduate
4,207
Graduate
1,549
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 315 Total Graduates / 25%
Accounting 72 Graduates
Business Administration and Management, General 60 Graduates
Human Resources Development 55 Graduates
Finance, General 47 Graduates
All Education Majors 148 Total Graduates / 12%
Elementary Education and Teaching 57 Graduates
Early Childhood Education and Teaching 38 Graduates
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 27 Graduates
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching 14 Graduates
All Computer and Information Sciences Majors 111 Total Graduates / 9%
Computer Science 111 Graduates
All Liberal Arts and Sciences Majors 106 Total Graduates / 8%
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies 95 Graduates
General Studies 11 Graduates
Public Administration and Social Service Professions 96 Total Graduates / 8%
Social Work 96 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 38%

Outcome & Salary


Northeastern Illinois University strives to offer its students a top-quality education that equips them for successful careers and lifelong learning. Their commitment to academic excellence and community engagement results in positive outcomes for graduates. Graduating students have gone on to experience success after entering professional careers with competitive starting salaries that gain them long-term financial stability as their careers mature and expand over time. In fact, over 82% of respondents to a graduate survey indicate that they were employed within one year of the completion of their program.

NEIU also boasts an esteemed alumni network comprising successful professionals and leaders from various fields. Notable alumni have excelled in areas like education, business, social sciences, and more - making significant contributions to both industries and communities worldwide. Northeastern Illinois University equips its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values required for personal and professional success by providing a well-rounded education that fosters community engagement. Their outcomes demonstrate NEIU’s dedication to academic excellence, career success, and meaningful community involvement.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $51,600
College Grads Average Salary $67,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $86,100
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $670,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,531,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $57,048
10 Year Projected ROI $612,952
20 Year Projected ROI $1,473,952
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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