
1425 Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115-2854, USA


Northern Illinois University provides a variety of athletic opportunities through its NCAA Division I programs. Competing primarily in the Mid-American Conference, the university supports multiple men's and women's sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. These programs offer student-athletes the chance to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals.
The university's athletic facilities include a football stadium, gymnasiums, and training centers designed to support both athletes and fans. Additionally, the school's mascot and spirited game-day traditions contribute to a vibrant campus athletic culture. Prospective students interested in participating in collegiate sports or attending competitive games will find a dynamic environment fostering both development and community engagement.
Northern Illinois University offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests. Among the professional organizations, students can join chapters of the American Marketing Association, Delta Sigma Pi, and Pi Sigma Epsilon. These associations provide valuable networking and career development opportunities for those interested in business and marketing fields.
For students with musical interests, the Black Choir and Student Volunteer Choir are available, allowing participation in vibrant, community-focused musical ensembles.
In terms of student membership, the university's total enrollment comprises approximately 4,640 men and 5,373 women. Among these, three men's social organizations and two women's social organizations are active, reflecting a varied social life on campus. While exact percentages of student participation in these social groups are not specified, these organizations contribute to the dynamic student community at Northern Illinois University.
Northern Illinois University hosts a substantial and diverse student body, with a strong presence of both freshmen and transfer students. The university enrolls 2,202 freshmen, a number that places it in the top 25% nationally, and 1,325 transfer students, ranking even higher in the top 15%. Overall, the total incoming student cohort of 3,527 reflects a considerably high enrollment level, positioning the university in the top 20% for new student intake.
The undergraduate population is primarily young adults, with 3,185 students younger than 18 and an additional 3,527 aged between 18 and 19. The university also serves a broad range of ages extending well beyond the traditional college-age bracket, including nearly 500 students aged 25 to 29 and several hundred adults aged 30 and older, demonstrating the institution's appeal to non-traditional, mature learners as well.
Graduate students contribute to this age diversity with significant numbers in their mid-20s to late 40s, supplementing the university community with experience and varied perspectives. For instance, over 1,000 graduate students are between 22 and 24 years old, and roughly 669 fall into the 40 to 49 age group.
Ethnic diversity is also notable at Northern Illinois University. The institution has a high proportion of Hispanic students, around 2,909, ranking in the top 25% nationally. African American students represent a very strong segment as well, with 2,378 individuals placing the university in the nation's top 5% for this demographic. White students comprise the largest single ethnic group at 4,735, placing it in the top 30% tier.
Other ethnic groups are represented with average levels of enrollment, including Native American students numbering 60, Asian students at 725, Pacific Islanders at 12, and those identifying with two or more races totaling 177. Additionally, 104 students' ethnicities are unknown, maintaining an average proportion relative to national data.
Northern Illinois University offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of cultural and extracurricular activities. Students can engage in campus drama, band, chorus, and radio, providing diverse outlets for artistic and creative expression. The campus newspaper further supports a dynamic student media environment.
The university campus spans approximately 650 acres, offering ample space for both academic and recreational activities. Support services are available to students, including legal services, a health clinic, and a dedicated women's center, which contribute to a supportive and secure campus environment.
With a student-faculty ratio of 14, the institution maintains manageable class sizes, fostering closer interaction between students and instructors. The university's student population is diverse, representing 61 different countries, which contributes to a multicultural and inclusive atmosphere.
Athletically, Northern Illinois University participates in the NCAA, indicating an active sports culture on campus. These comprehensive opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, and support services collectively shape the student experience at Northern Illinois University.
Northern Illinois University offers robust library resources with a total of five libraries, placing it in the top 10% nationally for the number of libraries on campus. The primary facility, Founders Memorial Library, is supported by four additional libraries, which collectively provide extensive access to physical and digital materials.
The university's collection includes over 1.7 million books, also ranking in the top 10%, and more than 1.3 million eBooks, positioning the institution among the top 20% for electronic book holdings. Students benefit from access to 54,652 subscriptions, a strong offering ranked in the top 15%, while digital subscriptions number 151,068, indicating an average level of availability compared to peer institutions.
With 571 databases, Northern Illinois University maintains a diverse spectrum of research resources, although this figure falls below the midpoint nationally. The libraries provide 168 hours of weekly service, ensuring students have substantial opportunities for study and research. Facilities include physical spaces and digital access with trained staff to assist users, along with the availability of study rooms and access to shared collections.
Total enrollment
15415Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1977Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
766 full time, 273 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Founders Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
5Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h 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