CollegeCalcAI
Moderately selectiveUpdated for the 2025-2026 cycle

Northern Illinois University acceptance rate and admissions profile

Northern Illinois University is a public university in Illinois with a 72% acceptance rate, which makes it moderately selective. Here is what it looks for, where it sits among Illinois schools, and how to estimate your own odds with CollegeCalcAI.

Acceptance rate
72%
Moderately selective
Admitted SAT (75th pct)
1180
of admitted students
Type
Public
Illinois
Selectivity in state
#29
of 37 in IL
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What Northern Illinois University looks for

What Northern Illinois University weighs most heavily in its admissions review, modeled from its selectivity and profile.

Rigor of secondary school record
Important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Considered
Standardized test scores
Considered
Application essay
Considered
Extracurricular activities
Considered
Talent / ability
Considered
Character / personal qualities
Considered
First-generation status
Considered
Geographical residence
Considered
State residency
Important
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered

SAT score positioning at Northern Illinois University

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability — your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at Northern Illinois University
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Above the admitted 75th percentile
1400Above the admitted 75th percentile
1300Above the admitted 75th percentile
1200In the competitive admitted range
1100Below the middle, makes the rest of the profile matter more

How Northern Illinois University compares in Illinois

Northern Illinois University ranks #29 most selective of 37 schools in Illinois in our database.

University of Chicago
5%acceptance · IL
Northwestern University
7%acceptance · IL
University of Illinois
45%acceptance · IL
Illinois Wesleyan University
52%acceptance · IL
Lake Forest College
55%acceptance · IL
Chicago State University
56%acceptance · IL
Trinity Christian College
60%acceptance · IL
Augustana College
62%acceptance · IL
See all Illinois schools →

Similar to Northern Illinois University

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

Appalachian State University
72%acceptance · NC
College of Charleston
72%acceptance · SC
Jacksonville State University
72%acceptance · AL
Sacramento State University
72%acceptance · CA
Tarleton State University
72%acceptance · TX
Texas Southern University
72%acceptance · TX

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get into Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University has a 72% acceptance rate, which makes it moderately selective — it admits more applicants than it rejects. Admission depends on how your full profile compares to its admitted students, not on scores alone.

What SAT score do you need for Northern Illinois University?

There is no hard cutoff, but the admitted-student 75th-percentile SAT is around 1180. A score at or above the admitted range strengthens your application; CollegeCalcAI shows how your exact score shifts your odds.

What does Northern Illinois University value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, Northern Illinois University weighs academic gpa, rigor of secondary school record, state residency most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

What are my chances of getting into Northern Illinois University?

Your chances depend on your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities together. Use the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance estimate for Northern Illinois University in a few minutes, no account required.

Acceptance rate and admitted test ranges reflect publicly reported data (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS / Common Data Sets). Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.