Northeastern Illinois University
Acceptance rate
74.6%
2025
Peer median 85.8%
Out-of-state tuition
$22,726
In-state $12,383
Peer median $18,658
Undergraduates
4,226
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
3.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 18.7%
Peer median 29.5%
“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois, known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Established in 1867, NEIU has a rich history and has evolved into a vibrant institution that serves a diverse student body, with over 70% of its students identifying as people of color. The university prides itself on its mission to provide accessible education and foster a supportive learning environment, which is reflected in its motto, "Educating for a Just Society." This commitment to social justice and equity is woven into the fabric of the campus culture, encouraging students to engage with their communities and become active participants in societal change.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including education, business, arts, and sciences. NEIU is particularly noted for its strong teacher education program, which has earned recognition for producing highly qualified educators who are prepared to address the needs of diverse student populations. With state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational amenities, NEIU provides students with an engaging campus experience. The university also emphasizes student life, offering numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, which help cultivate a sense of community and belonging among students. NEIU’s strategic location in Chicago allows students to take advantage of the city’s rich cultural scene and numerous internship opportunities, enhancing their educational experience and preparing them for successful careers. Overall, Northeastern Illinois University stands out as an institution dedicated to excellence, diversity, and community engagement.
Analysis of Tuition Fees, Student Enrollment, and Graduation Rates
The data from Northeastern Illinois University reveals significant trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. Notably, both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition fees have seen a steady increase. For instance, in-state tuition rose from $7,963 in 2014 to $12,383 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 55%. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition increased from $14,354 to $22,726, a staggering increase of about 58%. This trend of rising tuition costs is reflective of a broader national issue, where the increasing financial burden on students is prompting discussions about the affordability of higher education.
Simultaneously, student enrollment has been declining, dropping from 8,950 undergraduate students in 2014 to just 4,207 in 2023. This decline of over 53% raises concerns about accessibility and the university's ability to attract and retain students amidst rising costs. The declining enrollment figures may also correlate with the increasing financial burden on potential students, leading to a decrease in applications.
Graduation rates also tell an important story. The percentage of students graduating on time has remained relatively low, with only 4.6% of students graduating within 100% of the expected time in 2023, while about 23.2% graduated within 150% of the expected time. These figures indicate that many students may be struggling to complete their degrees in a timely manner, possibly due to financial challenges or other obstacles exacerbated by rising tuition costs.
Overall, the interplay between increasing tuition fees, declining student enrollment, and stagnant graduation rates highlights critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of higher education at Northeastern Illinois University. The university may need to explore strategies to mitigate rising costs, improve student support services, and enhance recruitment efforts to reverse these troubling trends.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- Chicago, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), about 10 mi
- Also known as
- NEIU
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Katrina Bell-Jordan, PhD (President)
- Phone
- 7735834050
- Address
- 5500 N Saint Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625-4699
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 55.1%, women 60.9%.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Rates at Northeastern Illinois University
The admission data from Northeastern Illinois University over the years reveals significant trends that reflect broader patterns in higher education. Starting from 2009, the acceptance rates for male and female students have shown fluctuations, with an overall downward trend in the acceptance rates, particularly evident by 2019 when the male acceptance rate dropped to approximately 48%. This decline suggests increasing selectivity, which could be attributed to various factors such as a growing applicant pool or changes in institutional priorities.
Interestingly, the enrollment numbers have also varied, peaking in 2010 with over 1,000 new students, but diminishing over the years, particularly after 2014. The number of denied applications has generally increased, highlighting the competitive nature of admissions in recent years. This could be a consequence of the university's efforts to enhance its academic profile and overall ranking, which has fluctuated over time but appears to be a priority.
Moreover, the data indicates a notable difference between male and female acceptance rates, with female candidates consistently facing slightly higher rates of admission denial. This gender discrepancy in admissions raises questions about equity in the recruitment process and might warrant further investigation.
Overall, the trends in admission rates and enrollment numbers at Northeastern Illinois University reflect the ongoing challenges and dynamics within the higher education landscape, emphasizing the need for institutions to adapt to changing demographics and student needs while striving for inclusivity.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Business School3 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions Data at Northeastern Illinois University
The admissions data from Northeastern Illinois University over the years reveals a significant shift in testing trends and submission rates. From 2007 to 2012, the proportion of students submitting ACT scores remained consistently high, with over 90% of admitted students submitting their scores. This suggests a strong reliance on the ACT for admissions during this period, indicating its perceived importance among prospective students.
However, starting from 2013, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students submitting SAT scores, with only 1% of admitted students providing their SAT scores from 2013 to 2016. This stark decrease may reflect a broader trend in higher education, where standardized tests such as the SAT face increasing scrutiny and diminishing relevance in the college admissions process. Many institutions, including some state universities, have moved towards test-optional policies, prioritizing holistic review processes that consider a wider range of student achievements and experiences.
The data for 2019 and beyond shows a slight resurgence in SAT score submissions, although it remains relatively low compared to ACT submissions. This could indicate a potential shift in student preferences or institutional policies as colleges reevaluate the role of standardized tests in admissions. The reported ranges for SAT and ACT scores also highlight the variability in student performance, with significant gaps between the 25th and 75th percentiles, suggesting a diverse applicant pool.
Overall, these trends underline the evolving landscape of college admissions, where testing requirements are becoming less rigid and more reflective of individual student capabilities and backgrounds. As universities continue to adapt, it will be interesting to observe how these changes impact future admissions strategies and student diversity.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 7 in 10
8,955 applicants in 2025, 74.6% admitted
6,680 admitted 2,275 not admitted Yield 8.5%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's57 (2% international)
- Social Work · Master's49 (2% international)
- Special Education and Teaching, General · Master's40 (3% international)
- Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's28 (0% international)
- Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's22 (0% international)
- Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's19 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Degree Completion Data at Northeastern Illinois University
The data from Northeastern Illinois University for 2023 reveals significant trends in degree completion across various disciplines. Notably, Psychology stands out with the highest number of bachelor's degrees awarded at 89. This reflects the increasing interest in mental health and psychological services, likely influenced by the growing recognition of mental health issues in society.
Furthermore, there is a notable absence of international students in the undergraduate programs, with only one international student graduating in the Liberal Arts and Sciences discipline. This suggests that the university may need to enhance its outreach and support for international students, especially given the global competition for attracting diverse student populations.
In the realm of master's degrees, Public Administration and Educational Leadership have emerged as strong programs, with 71 and 61 graduates, respectively. This trend indicates a robust demand for advanced qualifications in these fields, which may correlate with the increasing complexity of public sector challenges and the need for effective educational leadership.
Interestingly, disciplines such as Business Administration and Management also show a healthy number of graduates, but with a notable representation of international students in the master's program, indicating a global interest in business education at this level.
However, many fields, particularly those in the sciences and humanities, show low graduation rates, which raises questions about student engagement and support in those areas. The university may consider strategies to bolster these programs, ensuring they meet the needs and interests of current and prospective students. Overall, these insights highlight the dynamic landscape of higher education at Northeastern Illinois University and the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of academic offerings.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | - | ||
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $84,256 | ||
| Urban Education and Leadership. | $84,256 | ||
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | $58,972-$65,370 | ||
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | $64,959 | ||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $53,918-$63,576 | ||
| Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | $53,918-$63,576 | ||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $53,918-$63,576 | ||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $53,918-$63,576 | ||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $58,759-$78,423 | ||
| Reading Teacher Education. | $58,759-$78,423 | ||
| Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $49,749 | ||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $53,950-$71,330 | ||
| Accounting. | $56,276-$72,878 | ||
| Finance, General. | $54,433 | ||
| Human Resources Development. | $54,829 | ||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $48,423 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - | ||
| Computer Science. | $60,664-$121,596 | ||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | $43,221-$54,082 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $49,987 | ||
| General Studies. | $49,987 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $43,046 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. | $50,577 | ||
| Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. | $50,577 | ||
| Public Health, General. | - | ||
| Community Health and Preventive Medicine. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | $35,388 | ||
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology, General. | - | ||
| Economics, General. | $48,637 | ||
| Geography. | - | ||
| Political Science and Government, General. | $44,100 | ||
| Sociology, General. | $48,971 | ||
| Social Sciences, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | $38,839 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $45,030 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latin American Studies. | - | ||
| Women's Studies. | - | ||
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $35,857 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $47,641 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | $53,039 | ||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | $39,137 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linguistics. | - | ||
| Spanish Language and Literature. | $50,068 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | $47,440 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | - | ||
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gerontology. | - | ||
| International/Globalization Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
Students
5,734 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 52.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,733
- First-year undergraduates 533
- Graduate students 1,508
- Transfers and others 960
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,226)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Demographic Insights of Northeastern Illinois University Students in 2023
The student demographics at Northeastern Illinois University in 2023 reveal interesting trends in gender ratio and ethnic diversity among different classifications of students. The data indicates that undergraduate freshmen comprise a significant portion of the student body with 516 students, where females represent 56.4% and males 43.6%. This trend reflects a growing interest among women in higher education, which is consistent with national statistics showing an increase in female enrollment in universities.
In contrast, the undergraduate juniors represent a much larger group with 2,958 students, exhibiting a female majority of 59.8%. This sustained female presence suggests that the university's programs may be particularly appealing to women, or perhaps that there are systemic factors encouraging female students to pursue their degrees.
The graduate student population stands at 1,549, with a striking gender disparity; only 31.6% are male, while 68.4% are female. This significant underrepresentation of male graduate students may point to broader trends in graduate education, where women are increasingly outpacing men in enrollment.
Examining the ethnic composition, the data for various subgroups shows a predominance of White students in all categories, although the specifics are not fully disclosed for the undergraduate juniors and graduate students. This trend highlights a critical area for universities to address in terms of equity and representation, as racial diversity remains a pivotal goal within educational institutions.
Overall, these insights suggest a shift in gender demographics and emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion within the student population at Northeastern Illinois University.
Age Distribution Among Students at Northeastern Illinois University
The age composition of students at Northeastern Illinois University reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the campus. The data indicates a significant presence of traditional-age students, particularly in the 18-24 year range, accounting for nearly 54% of the undergraduate population. Specifically, the 18-19 age group is notably large, with 299 male and 385 female undergraduates, suggesting that the university attracts a substantial number of recent high school graduates.
As students progress into their mid-twenties, the numbers reflect a trend of increasing enrollment in graduate programs, particularly among females, where the number of graduate females (294) surpasses that of their male counterparts (134) in the 25-29 age group. This trend may mirror broader societal shifts toward higher educational attainment among women, as reported in various studies highlighting women's increasing presence in higher education.
Moreover, the data illustrates a decline in student numbers as age increases, especially among those over 30. This aligns with national trends showing that older students often face more challenges in balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The representation of students aged 40 and above, while smaller, reflects the university's role in providing educational opportunities to a diverse age group, which is crucial for lifelong learning.
Overall, the demographic statistics underscore the importance of creating an inclusive educational environment that accommodates the diverse needs of its student body, fostering a community that supports both traditional and non-traditional students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
91 in 2025 · 4.7% in 2016
117 in 2025 · 9.8% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northeastern Illinois University
The data on international student enrollment at Northeastern Illinois University reveals significant fluctuations over nearly two decades, reflecting broader trends in higher education and global events. Starting in 2004, the percentage of international undergraduate students was relatively low, at 3.01%, but this figure saw notable increases over the years, peaking at 5.48% in 2017. However, this upward trajectory was not sustained; by 2023, the proportion had dropped to 1.74%.
The decline in international undergraduate enrollment can be attributed to several factors, including changes in U.S. immigration policies, global economic conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted education worldwide. The pandemic particularly affected student mobility, leading to a significant decrease in enrollment numbers.
For graduate students, the trends are somewhat similar but show a different pattern. The percentage of international graduate students reached a high of 9.80% in 2016, which indicates a stronger appeal for graduate programs. However, it also experienced fluctuations, ending at 4.65% in 2023, reflecting the challenges faced by international students in a changing global landscape.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of international students to foster a more welcoming environment. As universities navigate these challenges, they must implement strategies to attract and retain international talent, which is crucial for enhancing the diversity and global perspective on campus.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$33,116
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $22,726
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $12,383
- Room and board
- $10,390
- Graduate tuition
- $18,217
Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 44% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 58%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$156M
Expenses$143M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Loyola University ChicagoChicago · 3.5 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Northwestern UniversityEvanston · 5.2 mi
U.S. News #9
-
University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago · 8.3 mi
U.S. News #95
-
DePaul UniversityChicago · 8.5 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago · 11.3 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of ChicagoChicago · 14.6 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest · 19.4 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Wheaton College (IL)Wheaton · 21.0 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Aurora UniversityAurora · 36.0 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding Northeastern Illinois University:
-
Northwestern University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Northwestern is a prestigious research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is known for its strong programs in journalism, law, and business.
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University of Chicago - With a ranking of 12, the University of Chicago is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and has produced numerous Nobel laureates. It is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
-
University of Illinois Chicago - Ranked 82nd in the 2024 US News rankings, UIC is a major public research university with a strong emphasis on health sciences, engineering, and urban planning.
-
Loyola University Chicago - This university is ranked 142nd and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing social justice and community service.
-
DePaul University - With a ranking of 151, DePaul is known for its diverse student body and strong programs in business, law, and the arts.
-
University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th, Notre Dame is a prestigious Catholic university located in Notre Dame, Indiana, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.
Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Northeastern Illinois University
The crime statistics at Northeastern Illinois University reveal significant fluctuations over the years from 2013 to 2023. The data show a peak in crime rates in 2020, with an alarming average of 3.69 incidents per 1000 students. This spike could reflect broader societal issues such as increased tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a rise in various crimes nationwide.
Interestingly, the years following 2020 demonstrate a substantial decline, with rates dropping to 0.53 in 2022 and then slightly increasing to 1.63 in 2023. This trend suggests that the university may have implemented effective measures to enhance campus safety and reduce criminal activities. The implementation of programs aimed at violence prevention, drug education, and community policing could be contributing factors to this decline.
Moreover, specific categories such as domestic violence and drug-related arrests have been highlighted in the data, which is consistent with national trends that underline the need for universities to address these issues proactively. Overall, while there have been periods of concern, the recent drop in crime rates indicates a potential positive shift in campus safety. Continuous efforts to maintain this trend are essential for ensuring the wellbeing of students and fostering a secure educational environment.
For further information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Northeastern Illinois University include Tim McIlrath (Lead singer of punk rock band Rise Against), Michael Angelo Batio (Heavy metal guitarist) and Ana Castillo (Chicana novelist, poet and essayist).
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Tim McIlrath 1979–
Lead singer of punk rock band Rise Against
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Michael Angelo Batio 1956–
Heavy metal guitarist
-
Ana Castillo 1953–
Chicana novelist, poet and essayist
-
John Pankow 1954–
Actor in film, television and theater
-
Luis Gutiérrez 1953–
U.S. Representative from Illinois, 1993 to 2019
-
Delia Ramirez 1983–
US Representative for Illinois's 3rd district
-
Angelo Reyes 1945–2011
Filipino general and former Armed Forces chief of staff
-
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor 1950–
Princeton professor of African American Studies
-
Nancy Davidson 1943–
Artist known for large inflatable sculptures
See all 24 notable alumni of Northeastern Illinois University →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.