NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for High School Partners

Greetings,

When I think back to my own experience with FAFSA, I still remember how overwhelming and confusing it felt to navigate the process. That’s why, here at NIU, we want to make sure you feel equipped with the resources you need as you guide students through these critical steps. You don’t have to do it alone — we’re here to support you, so you can continue supporting them.

NIU has so much to offer right now: unique visit options, exciting academic initiatives, and expanded financial aid and scholarship opportunities. As I shared last month, more students are choosing NIU than in the past decade, with 80% of this fall’s freshmen earning merit scholarships. Altogether, we awarded more than $8 million in merit scholarships to new freshmen this year!

As a reminder, our priority deadline for summer and fall merit scholarships is Dec. 1. We encourage students to apply early for fall 2026 admission to ensure their best chance at scholarships and financial aid.

With the 2026–27 FAFSA Form now open, please encourage students to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is the key to creating their financial aid offer at NIU. For Illinois residents who are ineligible for federal aid, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is also available to open doors to state assistance.

Our Student Financial Advising Services team is ready to provide one-on-one guidance, so no student has to face this process alone.

Please continue leaning on this newsletter as your go-to source for timely updates on academic pathways, scholarships, campus events and collaborative opportunities. 

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

“My financial support is the reason I am able to attend NIU. It is the reason I am determined to keep pushing myself and take in every moment of my academic career. I am forever grateful to NIU and to those who have allowed me to have this opportunity.”

— Chloe Steffel, a human development and family sciences  major from Frankfort, Illinois.

Our University Honors Program welcomed 331 new freshmen this fall, up from 227 in 2024, representing a 46% increase. Overall, Honors Program enrollment is at an all-time high at 1,283 students.

More Huskies continue to take advantage of the nationally recognized program. Honors students enjoy exclusive, personalized, hands-on learning opportunities and experiences, as well as access to Honors-only scholarship opportunities.

“I enjoy how participating in Honors seminars and courses has increased the scope of my learning. For example, even though I am an engineering major, through taking Honors courses, I have learned a lot about how other majors work with mine and how to collaborate.”

— Alexander Woltman, an elementary education major from Geneseo, Illinois.

Of special note this fall:

Encourage your students to register for a visit today. We’re offering:

NIU biology student receives National Science Foundation research fellowship

With NSF, NOAA and industry support, NIU and UW-Madison launch convective storms center

NIU Esports celebrates alumni

With first-year student resources, we’ll meet your students wherever they’re at on their educational journeys andprovide personal attention, flexibility and support tailored to their unique needs. 

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