Northeastern Illinois University

School Overview

Situated in Chicago, IL, Northeastern Illinois University is a well-regarded institution of higher education. The university is ranked #-1 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2026). The school serves approximately 4,226 undergraduate students. Admissions are accessible yet competitive, with an acceptance rate of 74%. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 773-1040 and ACT scores of 15-29. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 2.9. A 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides an environment conducive to individualized academic attention. About 71% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. The most popular areas of study include Computer Science (10%), Psychology, General (9%), and Social Work (9%). Graduates in Computer Science earn a median salary of $89,158 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $13,209. Approximately 7% of students complete their degree within four years. The application deadline is Aug. 1. Northeastern Illinois University is committed to academic excellence and preparing students for success in their chosen fields through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience.