Northern Illinois University (NIU) — 2026
What SAT, ACT scores and GPA do you need for Northern Illinois University (NIU)? See the latest score ranges, admission requirements, deadlines, and.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA Requirements 2026
What SAT and ACT scores do you need to get into Northern Illinois University (NIU)? The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 970-1190, with an average of 1080. Northern Illinois University (NIU) has an acceptance rate of 69.8%, making it accessible. Here is everything you need to know about test scores and academic requirements.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 69.8% |
| SAT Score Range (25th-75th) | 970 - 1190 |
| Average SAT Score | 1080 |
| ACT Score Range (25th-75th) | 19 - 25 |
| Average ACT Score | 22 |
| Average GPA | 3.15 |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Admissions |
SAT Score Requirements
The middle 50% of admitted students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) score between 970 and 1190 on the SAT. This means 25% of admitted students scored below 970, and 25% scored above 1190.
| SAT Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading & Writing | 490 | 600 |
| Math | 480 | 590 |
| Composite | 970 | 1190 |
What SAT score do you need for Northern Illinois University (NIU)? To be competitive, aim for at least 1160. A score of 1190 or above puts you in the top 25% of admitted students.
ACT Score Requirements
The middle 50% ACT composite score range at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is 19-25.
| ACT Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| English | 18 | 25 |
| Math | 18 | 25 |
| Composite | 19 | 25 |
GPA Requirements
The average GPA of admitted students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is 3.15. A solid B+ average puts you in the competitive range.
Application Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Rolling Admissions |
Cost Overview
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $13,248 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,248 |
Check Your Chances
Use our Admissions Calculator to see how your scores compare to admitted students at Northern Illinois University (NIU). You can also view the full Northern Illinois University (NIU) profile for more details on programs, campus life, and financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average SAT score for Northern Illinois University (NIU)?
The average SAT score for admitted students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is 1080.
What ACT score do I need for Northern Illinois University (NIU)?
The average ACT score is 22.
Is Northern Illinois University (NIU) hard to get into?
With an acceptance rate of 69.8%, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is accessible to students with solid academic records.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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