Our applications open on the dates listed below for each semester.
When you complete our undergraduate application, you'll be asked to specify an applicant type. Your applicant type determines your application requirements.
We encourage you to submit your application and all supporting documents, which may include additional requested items for the holistic review process, as early as possible. Most applicants can apply anytime between when applications open and our general deadline. However, if any of the following applies to you, submit your application by our review deadline listed below:
Additionally, freshman applicants with a GPA below 3.0 should submit by our review deadline, as your application will undergo holistic review.
Applying by our review deadline gives our admissions team the time needed to thoroughly review your file and send you a decision.
| Semester | Application Opens |
Review Deadline |
General Deadline* |
Confirmation Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (Aug.-Dec.) |
Aug. 1 | July 15 | Aug. 1 | Aug. 15 |
| Spring (Jan.-May) |
May 1 | Nov. 15 | Dec. 1 | Dec. 15 |
| Summer (Jun.-Aug.) |
Aug. 1 | May 1 | May 15 | May 30 |
* Deadlines falling on weekends are extended to the following Monday. See our Undergraduate Catalog for additional application procedures.
Apply by your merit scholarship priority deadline to be considered automatically for a renewable merit scholarship.
Freshman applicants: Dec. 1 (Summer/Fall) or Oct. 1 (Spring)
Transfer applicants: March 1 (Summer/Fall) or Oct. 1 (Spring)
After you apply, be sure to activate your NIU account ID so you can check to see if any specific materials are needed to complete your application. After we receive all your materials, you can typically expect an admission decision within two to four weeks. We take pride in offering a fair, thorough and thoughtful review of every application, ensuring each student receives careful and personalized consideration.
Once you receive your admission decision, you must confirm your intent to enroll by the confirmation deadline listed above. Confirming your enrollment allows you to take your next steps as an admitted student, like registering for orientation, signing your housing contract and choosing your classes.