Northeastern Illinois University

Be inspired to inspire. Because this is home.

Your choice
Finally! You’re going to college, and the possibilities are endless. What will your major be? Which clubs will you join? Will you study abroad? Only you can decide, but we can help you make some of the most important decisions about your future. Why should you choose Northeastern Illinois University?

One of the most diverse universities in the nation, Northeastern provides its students an affordable, quality education with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, education, and business. 

In its latest “Best Colleges” publication, U.S. News & World Report ranked Northeastern as the most ethnically diverse Midwest public regional university. We have been on the list since 1997, the first year U.S. News & World Report established the category.

Northeastern’s diversity reflects the urban environment of Chicago. The school was the first four-year public university in the Midwest federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

That’s not all! For the seventh year in a row, Northeastern has earned U.S. News & World Report’s #1 spot for students who graduate with the least amount of debt among Midwest regional universities.

Northeastern offers extremely competitive tuition rates, guaranteed for four consecutive years. Students from Illinois’s neighboring states pay in-state tuition, as do active-duty military students, veterans, their spouses, and dependents. We help you identify grants, scholarships, employment, and loans so when you graduate, you’re counting the money you earn, not the money you owe.

Our 67-acre Main Campus on the Northwest Side of Chicago is a welcoming community to the over 5,500 students who attend Northeastern. In addition to our Main Campus in the North Park neighborhood of Chicago, we also have locations in the Avondale and Bronzeville neighborhoods and in Grayslake, Illinois.

Your transition
In fall 2016, we opened the doors to our brand-new residence hall. Students can take advantage of our convenient location and unmatched amenities. The residence hall is located centrally on the Main Campus and includes features such as a fitness center, computer center, recreation lounge, billiards, foosball, air hockey, and much more.

We prepare incoming students with orientation programs geared toward first-year and transfer students, as well as a family orientation. These programs aim to support your transition to Northeastern and help build your foundation for academic success. Northeastern also integrates its First-Year Experience classes into the core freshman curriculum. These classes assist in the transition from high school to college, help improve your study habits, and identify your unique learning style. 

Your education
Once you get started at Northeastern, our faculty will prepare you to think critically, adapt to change, solve problems, and become a leader in your chosen field—qualities employers seek. Along your academic journey, internships and research opportunities are excellent avenues for exploring and gaining practical experience; they look great on résumés and give you a distinct advantage in any job search. We support student research through symposiums, independent studies, and research positions.

Northeastern offers several academic support programs, including the University Honors Program, which gives students an edge when entering the professional world or graduate school. This exceptional curriculum helps you develop and conduct a research or creative project such as an Honors thesis.

Your environment
Northeastern offers student leadership and civic and community engagement opportunities. In addition to a lively arts community, there are more than 100 student organizations, including Greek, cultural, and major-specific clubs for students in the arts, sciences, business, and education. And if you want to break a sweat, Northeastern has more than 25 team and club sports, fitness classes, and outdoor adventures.

On the days you want to mix it up, spend a morning downtown shopping or visiting museums, and then spend the afternoon stretched out on the University Commons studying. Northeastern offers students the best of both worlds—access to all Chicago has to offer and a retreat from its hustle and bustle.

Northeastern’s Main Campus is located in a quiet community filled with residential homes on tree-lined streets. The diversity of Chicago is reflected within the shops and restaurants that are just walking distance from the University. Whether you’re craving sushi, falafel, tacos, or pizza, the city offers hungry visitors a variety of choices.

Your opportunities
Northeastern offers international programs where you can expand your horizons and explore new classroom experiences. Make progress toward your degree and learn about new cultures while you spend a semester (or a year) studying at one of our partner universities in Colombia, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Poland, Spain, or one of many other countries. Classes are paid for by your regular tuition; your financial aid may apply, and there is a range of possible scholarship opportunities.

We also offer study abroad programs that range in length from one week to one year. Experience travel while you receive course credit for pre-approved classes. Our advisors are happy to help you find a study abroad location that fits your program of study, budget, and desired level of cultural immersion. 

Your next step
At Northeastern, you’ll make friends from all walks of life, but your experience isn’t limited to your time on campus. Take advantage of the University’s connections to explore all of Chicago’s cultural and professional opportunities.

Now that you’ve taken a closer look at our University, come see for yourself what Northeastern has to offer. Find out about our admission process and visiting options at neiu.edu/visit.