
5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625-4699, USA


Northeastern Illinois University supports a variety of athletic programs that provide students with opportunities to engage in competitive sports and recreational activities. The university's teams, known as the Golden Eagles, participate in NCAA Division II, competing primarily in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. This affiliation offers student-athletes a chance to compete at a collegiate level while pursuing their academic goals.
The athletics program includes men's and women's sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball, among others. These teams benefit from dedicated coaching staff and access to campus facilities designed to support training and competition. Beyond varsity sports, the university encourages student involvement in intramural and club sports, fostering a campus environment that values physical activity and sportsmanship.
Facilities like the Physical Education Building provide venues for both athletic events and general fitness, contributing to the overall student experience. Prospective students interested in athletics will find a supportive community focused on balancing sports participation with academic achievement.
Northeastern Illinois University offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests and academic disciplines. Among these groups are the Student Government Association, which provides a platform for student representation and advocacy; the United Greek Council, supporting the Greek life community; and the Association of Student Social Workers, tailored to those pursuing social work careers.
Additionally, students with interests in finance and business can join the Accounting Associates, while those inclined towards technology and programming have access to the Computer Science Society. These associations provide opportunities for leadership, networking, and professional development within and beyond the university setting.
Currently, the total student involvement in these listed groups comprises 2,494 members, with 1,069 men and 1,425 women participating across the available organizations.
Northeastern Illinois University primarily enrolls a high majority of in-state students, with 98% of its population coming from within Illinois, placing the university in the top 15% nationally for in-state representation. Conversely, out-of-state students constitute only about 1%, a notably low figure compared to other institutions, reflecting a strong local focus. Nearly all students are from the United States, with domestic students making up 99% and international students representing just 1%, which is an average share relative to peer universities.
The student body includes a balanced mix of new and transfer students. Freshmen number 553, placing the school in the lower 40% nationally for first-year enrollment, while transfer students are slightly more numerous at 596, ranking in the top 45% for transfer admissions. Overall, the total enrollment of 1,149 students falls in the middle range compared to other universities.
The age distribution across undergraduate and graduate programs reveals a diverse range. Most undergraduates are young adults aged 18 to 24, with 803 students aged 18-19, 681 aged 20-21, and 929 aged 22-24. However, the university also serves a significant number of older students; for example, 675 undergraduates are aged 25-29, and there are hundreds more between ages 30 and 64. Graduate students tend to be older, primarily between 25 and 49 years old, reflecting a strong presence of adult learners pursuing advanced degrees.
Regarding racial and ethnic composition, Hispanic students form the largest group, with 1,991 individuals, representing a sizable component at the university and placing it in the top 35% nationally for Hispanic enrollment. African American students number 388, while white students total 664, both groups falling in the lower half nationwide. Asian and Native American populations are smaller, with 316 and 8 students respectively. The university also includes those identifying with two or more races and a large number of students whose racial background is unknown, the latter being relatively high at 378, which puts Northeastern Illinois University in the top 30% for unknown racial data among U. S. institutions.
Student life at Northeastern Illinois University offers a range of cultural and media activities that cater to diverse interests. The campus supports a newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, and a chorus, providing students with multiple outlets for participation and creative expression. However, it does not currently host a campus band or television station.
Health and well-being services are integral to the student experience, with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling available on campus. Additionally, there is a dedicated Veterans Affairs Office and a Women's Center, aimed at supporting specific student groups.
The university's student-to-faculty ratio stands at 12 to 1, which suggests relatively small class sizes favorable for personalized academic interaction. However, with a total enrollment of around 5,504 students, the campus offers a moderate-sized student body, reflecting an environment that is neither too large nor too intimate.
Northeastern Illinois University offers access to four libraries, placing it in the top 20% of institutions for the number of library facilities available to students. The main library on campus is the Ronald Williams Library, supported by three additional libraries that further enhance resource availability. These libraries provide both physical and digital access to materials, ensuring a range of options for study and research.
The libraries operate with established hours and are staffed by trained personnel, facilitating reliable assistance for students. Although there is no all-day access or dedicated study rooms, students benefit from shared collection access and 92 weekly service hours on average, allowing ample opportunity to utilize library resources during the week.
Total enrollment
5504Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
514Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
250 full time, 200 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Ronald Williams LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
4Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes