Admission Requirements | NEIU Admissions

Freshman

A freshman applicant has never attended a college, university or trade school after graduating high school or earning a GED, and wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Admission Requirements

Beginning in Fall 2021, NEIU will be test optional. Standardized test scores are not required for admission to the University. Applicants, however, are encouraged to submit test scores in order to meet some scholarship and prerequisite requirements. Test scores also can be helpful with determining your placement in math and English courses. Scores will not be used to make an admissions decision. Applicants with a 2.5 cumulative high school grade-point average will be guaranteed admission.

Students with GEDs: If you are 18 years of age or older, you can be considered for admission upon successful completion of the GED.

Freshmen are admitted to degree programs and should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine eligibility for federal and state student aid. The school code to enter for Northeastern Illinois University is 001693.

ACT or SAT scores

Submit electronically: Contact SAT or ACT to arrange for your test score to be sent electronically to the Admissions Office. Scores will not be used to make an admissions decision.

Submit by mail: Mailed test scores must be in original sealed envelopes that have not been opened. Only sealed envelopes will be accepted by the Admissions Office.

If your scores appear on your high school transcript, contact your high school counselor to have your scores sent to the Admissions Office.

High School Transcript

High school graduates: You must arrange for your high school to electronically send or mail your official high school transcript (with your graduation date) to the Admissions Office.

High school seniors: You must provide a high school transcript to the Admissions Office at the time of your application for admission. High school students admitted to Northeastern must provide the Admissions Office with their official high school transcript (with graduation date) once it is available from the high school.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card). An application fee waiver for eligible students is available from your high school guidance counselor.

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is a foreign student who plans to apply for, or is currently in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. As an international applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Other Forms

Please download, complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic applicants – August 1

International applicants – June 15

Spring Semester

Domestic applicants – December 1

International applicants – October 1

Full and First Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – April 1

International applicants (Full Summer Only) – March 1

Second Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – May 1

Contact

Admissions Office
(773) 442-4050
admrec@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Undergraduate Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Admissions Office
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Download Application

Graduate

A graduate student has completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university, and wishes to pursue a master’s degree or graduate certificate, licensure or endorsement at Northeastern. (International applicants may be more familiar with the term “post-graduate” student.)

Admission Requirements

An applicant’s undergraduate academic record must reflect an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All undergraduate work is included in the evaluation. Post-bachelor’s work in graduate-level courses, if any, is expected to average 3.0 (B) or better. Applicants must meet any additional program requirements.

Admission requirements vary depending on the graduate degree program, but all applications require the following core elements:

College Transcript(s)

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts and examination scores must be sent electronically or mailed in sealed envelopes from the sending college or institution. Opened transcripts are not considered official. Transcripts can be sent electronically, by the college or university, to gradadmissions@neiu.edu. Transcripts sent by the student are not acceptable.

Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES). The subject analysis or course-by-course evaluation is required.

Statement of Goals and Objectives

Submit a two-page statement addressing your goals and objectives specific to the program to which you are applying.

Letters of Recommendation

Two recommenders must each submit a letter of recommendation and the Letter of Recommendation Form on your behalf. Recommenders should be professors and/or employers who can attest to your qualifications. One letter should be from a former professor if you have been in school in the last five years. Recommendation letters from non-supervisory co-workers, family members or friends will not be accepted. If a recommender submits a letter and form by mail to the Office of Graduate Admissions, his or her signature must appear across the back seal of the envelope.

Alternatively, you can send a link to your recommenders through your online application portal. By accessing the links, your recommenders can complete the Letter of Recommendation Form and submit the letters of recommendation electronically, directly to Northeastern. If you scan or email copies of letters of recommendation, these will not be accepted.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Please follow any additional admission application instructions for your specific graduate program(s) of interest.

All standardized test scores (i.e. GRE, GMAT, TAP, Basic Skills, TOEFL, IELTS, ECE or WES evaluation) must be sent directly from the organization to be considered official.

View Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is a foreign student who plans to apply for, or is currently in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. As an international applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Other Forms

Please download, complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

To change your program of interest, please complete the Graduate Admission Request for Program Change form and email to graduateadmissions@neiu.edu.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic applicants – July 15

International applicants – June 15

Spring Semester

Domestic applicants – November 1

International applicants – October 1

Full Summer Session

Domestic applicants – April 1

International applicants (Full Summer Only) – March 1

Locate your program of interest on the Additional Requirements page to learn about semesters of admission and any earlier application deadlines (e.g., Counseling and Social Work).

Contact

Graduate Admissions

(773) 442-6001

graduateadmissions@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Graduate Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Office of Graduate Admissions
D101D
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Download Application

Graduate Student-at-Large

Graduate students-at-large (SAL) have already earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university, and wish to take graduate-level courses, but do not want to apply to a master’s degree program at the time of applying for admission. A graduate SAL may choose to take courses for professional or scholarly reasons or personal enrichment. If the graduate SAL decides to apply to a graduate degree program after taking graduate-level courses, a limited number of the hours taken as a student-at-large can be applied toward the requirements of the degree, at the discretion of the program. Graduate SALs do not qualify for financial aid.

Admission Requirements

Eligible students who submit all the required materials will be admitted as graduate students-at-large.

College Transcript

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts and examination scores must be sent electronically or mailed in sealed envelopes from the sending college or institution. Opened transcripts are not considered official. Transcripts can be sent electronically, by the college or university, to gradadmissions@neiu.edu. Transcripts sent by the student are not acceptable.

Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES). The subject analysis or course-by-course evaluation is required.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

International Applicants

An international applicant may not apply for admission as a Graduate Student-at-Large.

Other Forms

Please download, complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

To change your program of interest, please complete the Graduate Admission Request for Program Change form and email to graduateadmissions@neiu.edu.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All SAL applicants – August 15

Spring Semester

All SAL applicants – December 15

Full and First Half Summer Session

All SAL applicants – May 15

Second Half Summer Session

All SAL applicants – July 1

Contact

Graduate Admissions

(773) 442-6001

graduateadmissions@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Graduate Student-at-Large Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Admissions Office
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

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.

International

Northeastern Illinois University accepts admission applications from applicants who plan to apply for, or are currently in the United States on non-immigrant student visas. International applicants are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, international applicants must demonstrate that they meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Readmission

To be readmitted, students must have been in good standing at the time of last attendance at Northeastern. Readmission applicants are considered on the basis of their status at the time they left Northeastern and any college work they have completed elsewhere since their last attendance at the University. Students who have enrolled at other institutions since leaving Northeastern must have an overall “C” average and be in good standing at those institutions.

Requirements for Undergraduate Readmission

An undergraduate degree-seeking student who enrolled at Northeastern and stopped attending for more than six consecutive semesters may apply for readmission to Northeastern to complete an undergraduate degree. The applicant may or may not have earned college credit at another university, college or trade school.

Undergraduate applicants readmitted to degree programs at Northeastern should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine eligibility for federal and state student aid. The school code to enter for Northeastern Illinois University is 001693.

College Transcript(s)

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, and must be sent electronically or mailed in sealed envelopes from the sending college or institution. Opened transcripts are not considered official. Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES). The subject analysis or course-by-course evaluation is required.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Other Forms

Please download and/or complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

If you've submitted official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions for transfer credit evaluation, but believe the initial evaluation and transfer credit equivalency is not accurately reflected, please complete the Transfer Credit Re-Evaluation Request Form.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic applicants – August 1

International applicants – June 15

Spring Semester

Domestic applicants – December 1

International applicants – October 1

Full and First Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – April 1

International applicants (Full Summer Only) – March 1

Second Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – May 1

Contact

Admissions Office

(773) 442-4050

admrec@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Undergraduate Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Admissions Office
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Download Application

Requirements for Graduate Readmission

A graduate applicant who was admitted to a master’s degree, or graduate certificate, licensure or endorsement program, and completed courses at Northeastern but stopped attending for more than six consecutive semesters, may apply for readmission as a graduate student. The applicant may or may not have earned graduate college credit at another university, college or trade school.

Graduate applicants readmitted to master’s degree programs at Northeastern should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine eligibility for federal and state student aid. The school code to enter for Northeastern Illinois University is 001693. Student readmitted to graduate non-degree programs (i.e. graduate certificates, licensures and endorsements) are not eligible for federal and state student aid.

College Transcript(s)

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, and must be sent electronically or mailed in sealed envelopes from the sending college or institution. Opened transcripts are not considered official. Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES). The subject analysis or course-by-course evaluation is required.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Other Forms

Please download, complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

To change your program of interest, please complete the Graduate Admission Request for Program Change form and email to graduateadmissions@neiu.edu.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic applicants – July 15

International applicants – June 15

Spring Semester

Domestic applicants – November 1

International applicants – October 1

Full Summer Session

Domestic applicants – April 1

International applicants (Full Summer Only) – March 1

Contact

Graduate Admissions

(773) 442-6001

graduateadmissions@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Graduate Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Office of Graduate Admissions
D101D
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Download Application

Additional Readmission Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is a foreign student who plans to apply for, or is currently in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. As an international applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Second Bachelor's

A student who has completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university may apply to Northeastern to complete a second bachelor’s degree.

Admission Requirements

Second bachelor’s applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are admitted to degree programs, and should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine eligibility for federal and state student aid. The school code to enter for Northeastern Illinois University is 001693.

College Transcript(s)

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, and must be sent electronically or mailed in sealed envelopes from the sending college or institution. Opened transcripts are not considered official. Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES). The subject analysis or course-by-course evaluation is required.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is a foreign student who plans to apply for, or is currently in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. As an international applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Other Forms

Please download and/or complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

If you've submitted official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions for transfer credit evaluation, but believe the initial evaluation and transfer credit equivalency is not accurately reflected, please complete the Transfer Credit Re-Evaluation Request Form.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic applicants – August 1

International applicants – June 15

Spring Semester

Domestic applicants – December 1

International applicants – October 1

Full and First Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – April 1

International applicants (Full Summer Only) – March 1

Second Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – May 1

Contact

Admissions Office

(773) 442-4050

admrec@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Undergraduate Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Admissions Office
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Download Application

Transfer

A transfer student has earned some college, university or trade school credit, and wants to complete a bachelor’s degree at Northeastern.

Admission Criteria

Transfer students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from all colleges, universities and trade schools attended.

Upon admission, an evaluation of the prospective transfer student’s credits will be undertaken to determine which and how many of the previously-earned credits will meet the degree requirements at Northeastern.

Undergraduate transfer students are admitted to degree programs, and should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to determine eligibility for federal and state student aid. The school code to enter for Northeastern Illinois University is 001693.

High School Transcript (required if you have complete fewer than 24 semester hours of college credit)

You must arrange for your high school to electronically send or mail your official high school transcript (with your graduation date) to the Admissions Office.

College Transcript(s)

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, and must be sent electronically or mailed in sealed envelopes from the sending college or institution. Opened transcripts are not considered official. Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES). The subject analysis or course-by-course evaluation is required.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is a foreign student who plans to apply for, or is currently in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. As an international applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Other Forms

Please download and/or complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

If you've submitted official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions for transfer credit evaluation, but believe the initial evaluation and transfer credit equivalency is not accurately reflected, please complete the Transfer Credit Re-Evaluation Request Form.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic applicants – August 1

International applicants – June 15

Spring Semester

Domestic applicants – December 1

International applicants – October 1

Full and First Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – April 1

International applicants (Full Summer Only) – March 1

Second Half Summer Session

Domestic applicants – May 1

Contact

Transfer Center

(773) 442-4076

tsteps@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Undergraduate Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Admissions Office
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Download Application

Undergraduate Student-at-Large

An undergraduate student-at-large (SAL) has not completed a bachelor’s degree. This student wishes to take courses at Northeastern for professional and scholarly reasons, personal enrichment, or to take courses before deciding whether to apply to one of Northeastern’s programs. High school juniors or seniors who want to enroll in college credits prior to graduating should apply as this category. Undergraduate SALs are not admitted to degree programs and do not qualify for federal and state student aid.

Admission Requirements

Eligible students who submit all the required materials will be admitted as undergraduate students-at-large.

High School Transcript (required for current high school students)

High school juniors and seniors: You must provide an official high school transcript to the Admissions Office at the time of your application for admission. A letter of support and recommendation from your high school principal is also required.

Application fee

The $30 application fee is payable by mail (check or money order), online (debit or credit card) or in person (cash, check, money order, debit or credit card).

Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of the United States, provide a clear copy of your Permanent Resident card. If you have been granted temporary residence, conditional entrance, or if you are a parolee, refugee, asylee, or in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, you must submit appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation. If you are in the U.S. on a valid (not expired) visa, submit a clear copy of your visa.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is a foreign student who plans to apply for, or is currently in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. As an international applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the admission requirements and submit all the required documents that domestic applicants do. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you meet eligibility requirements for:

Non-immigrant student visa status
English language proficiency

To learn about the additional admission requirements for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants web page.

Other Forms

Please download, complete and submit necessary forms with your application.

Undocumented students meeting criteria for in-state tuition rates may complete the Affidavit for Eligibility for Residency Tuition.

To request a deferral of your application or admission for up to one year, please complete the Application Deferment Request form.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All SAL applicants – August 15

Spring Semester

All SAL applicants – December 15

Full and First Half Summer Session

All SAL applicants – May 15

Second Half Summer Session

All SAL applicants – July 1

Contact

Admissions Office

(773) 442-4050

admrec@neiu.edu

Apply

Complete the Undergraduate Student-at-Large Admission Application online, or download, complete and submit a hard copy to:

Northeastern Illinois University
Admissions Office
5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Undocumented

Northeastern Illinois University welcomes applications from all students, regardless of citizenship or residency. We value the diversity of our student body, and we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Admission Requirements

Freshman

Admission requirements are the same for all incoming freshmen, regardless of citizenship. Social security numbers are not necessary for admission. The University will assign the student an ID number once admitted to the University. Students who are admitted to NEIU must complete the affidavit (available on your application status portal upon admission) and official high school transcript to determine in-state tuition eligibility.

Transfer

Admission requirements are the same for all incoming transfer students, regardless of citizenship. Social security numbers are not necessary for admission. The University will assign the student an ID number once admitted to the University. Students who are admitted to NEIU must complete the affidavit (available on your application status portal upon admission) and official high school transcript to determine in-state tuition eligibility.

Qualifying for In-State Tuition

The Acevedo Bill or Public Act 93-0007 or as it is commonly known, HB 0060, was passed in 2003. According to HB 0060, a student must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for in-state/resident tuition:

The individual had to have resided with his or her parents or guardian while attending a public or private high school in Illinois;
The individual had to have graduated from a public or private high school OR received the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED) in Illinois;
The individual had to have attended school in Illinois for at least 3 years as of the date the individual graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma;
In case the individual is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, the individual has to provide the university with an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident or the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so.

Talk with an Admissions Counselor

Review admission requirements, discuss academic programs and application procedures, and learn about the many opportunities for students at Northeastern. Weekly campus visit are available. Call the Admissions Office to learn more at (773) 442-4050.

Undocumented Student Resources

Undocumented Student Resources was created to ensure that Northeastern provides undocumented students with the tools and information they need to successfully pursue their education in a welcoming environment. We do this through one-on-one life advising, scholarships, connection to legal, mental health, and other experts, and outreach to the external undocumented immigrant community. Learn about our resources for undocumented students and their families.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Undergraduate

August 1

Graduate

July 15

International
Undergraduate/Graduate

June 15

All Students-at-Large

August 15

Spring Semester

Undergraduate

December 1

Graduate

November 1

International
Undergraduate/Graduate

October 1

All Students-at-Large

December 15

Full and First Half Summer

Undergraduate/Graduate*

April 1

International
Undergraduate/Graduate*

(Full Summer Only)
March 1

All Students-at-Large

May 15

Second Half Summer

Undergraduate

May 1

All Students-at-Large Only

July 1

Prospective graduate students: Locate your program of interest on the Additional Requirements page to learn about semesters of admission and any earlier application deadlines (e.g., Counseling and Social Work).

*Graduate students and International students can be admitted for Full Summer Sessions, but not for First Half Summer Sessions.

You have not completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, and want to take undergraduate-level courses for professional, personal or scholarly reasons, or to decide whether to apply to a program. High school juniors or seniors who want to enroll in college credits prior to graduating should apply as this category.