Graduate Student-at-Large (Non-Degree Seeking)

Reply to Offer of Admission

Let us know if you plan to attend NEIU! This will help us prepare for your arrival and guide you through the important next steps. Access the “Intent to Enroll” button by logging into your applications portal at neiu.edu/apply:

Access your Application Status Portal
Scroll down to the Application Checklist
Click on Reply to Offer of Admission
Select your response to the admission offer
Submit your response

Set Up Your NEIUport Account

First, activate your account in NEIUport, the University’s secure online portal, so you can access information, your Nmail, online tools, services and more. Once activated, explore the Current Student tab in NEIUport to learn how to:

Check the status of financial aid awards (if applicable).
Look up, register, and pay for classes.
Locate forms and academic resources information.
Inform the University about changes to your contact information.
View your academic profile, unofficial transcript, and any holds on your account.
Check your end-of-semester grades.
Use the Degree Evaluation tool to model how your credits will count towards fulfilling the requirements for any undergraduate degree program at Northeastern Illinois University.

Nmail is your University-issued email account. You will be provided with your Nmail address during the NEIUport activation process. The password you create for NEIUport will be the same password you will use to log in to your Nmail account.

Official University communications will be sent to your Nmail account. You will be responsible for reading and responding to these communications, so please be sure to check your Nmail daily.

N-Safe is the system the University uses to provide students, faculty and staff with security and school closure alerts. Sign up for N-Safe and choose how you'd like notifications to be sent to you – by email and/or text message.

After activating your NEIUport account, you can access additional University accounts and Student Computing Services (SCS) computer lab workstations at all Northeastern locations. Use your NETID/username and the password you created when you activate your NEIUport account to access the workstations and your other Northeastern online accounts.

Desire to Learn (D2L) is an online learning environment that houses syllabi, course materials and tools you will use for many of the courses you will take at Northeastern. D2L also enables you to communicate with the faculty members teaching your courses and your classmates. Familiarize yourself with D2L before your first day of classes.

Register for Classes

After meeting with your Graduate Advisor, peruse the class schedule and register for classes via NEIUport.

Provide immunization records

All students must provide documentation of immunization/vaccination history to Northeastern Illinois University Student Health Services. Instructions are available online. Discounted vaccinations and free immunization reviews are available at NEIU Student Health Services.

All students are required to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or a COVID-19 vaccination exemption form to the NEIU Health Portal. Students who are approved for a COVID-19 vaccination exemption are required to submit weekly test results. Return to Campus-Student Information has further details. Additionally, proof of other routine immunizations must be submitted to NEIU Student Health Services. Instructions are available online.

Additional Information

Deferring Your Admission

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please log into your application portal and complete the Deferment Request of Application or Admission Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact about placement tests?

To sign up for placement tests, submit our form. You’ll receive an email within a week with information about scheduling remote or in person placement tests. For questions or information about placement testing, please contact Testing Services at (773) 442-5293 or testingservices@neiu.edu.

Do I have to take the placement tests?

All incoming freshmen need to take math placement tests. Entering students with a high school GPA below 3.25 need to take the Reading and Writing placement tests. All international students need to take the English (Reading and Writing) tests. Transfer students needing to take a math or English course at Northeastern will take the tests. Before taking a placement test, reach out to an Academic Advisor or review our Guidelines and Procedures to learn more about ACT, SAT, GPA or other alternate measures you may be able to use for placement.

How do I sign up for placement tests?

To sign up for placement tests, submit our form. You’ll receive an email within a week with information about scheduling remote or in person placement tests.

How do I reschedule or cancel my test?

If you need to change your in person placement tests for any reason, click on the link in your confirmation email or contact Testing Services at testingservices@neiu.edu to cancel at least two days in advance of the test date.

What do I need to bring for the test?

Please bring your Northeastern student ID number and a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, high school ID, etc.). Students without a photo ID will not be allowed to test.

Can I use a calculator or dictionary during the test?

No calculators or any kind of study aids are allowed during testing. There is a calculator icon available for select math problems.

How long will the test take?

For the math test, the average duration is about two hours. However, all tests are untimed, so it varies widely from student to student.

Do I need to be there at the stated time? Can I come later?

It’s highly recommended to arrive no later than the stated time. If you are going to be late, please contact Testing Services at testingservices@neiu.edu.

I didn’t sign up for the test; can I still come to take the test?

It is recommended that you register ahead of time to secure your place at testing.

Can I use my AP or CLEP credits for the math and English courses instead of taking the placement test?

Yes, you can. Learn more about AP and CLEP at Northeastern.

Does the test cost anything?

The test is offered free to all incoming students who are taking it for the first time at Northeastern.

Can I retake the test?

Students can retake the math test once. There is a retake fee of $10 per retake. Please see our Guidelines and Procedures for retaking the placement test(s).

How will I get my results?

Results will appear on screen at the conclusion of the test in the form of a report. You may take a screen shot or print the report. For more information, visit our Interpreting Your Test Scores page.

Are there practice tests available?

Yes. Visit our Practice Placement Tests page for study resources.

What is the next step after taking the placement test?

You will meet with an advisor to plan out and register for classes.

Incoming first-year and transfer students will need to sign up for Orientation.

Incoming students should also check out our Summer Bridge Programs.

What are the options for students with special needs or a learning disability?

Northeastern’s Student Disability Services (SDS) provides assistance for students who request accommodations. Please contact sds@neiu.edu for more information.

Can I park my car in one of Northeastern’s parking lots on the day of the on campus test?

Yes, you can park your car on campus at any parking lot designated Blue Zone or Green Zone. You will need to purchase a one-day $5 parking permit on/for the day of the test. Visit the Parking Office for more information.

Can I bring my family, friend or a child to the on campus test?

No children or guests can accompany you in the room while you test; however, they can wait in the waiting area only. Children must be accompanied by an adult.