How to Apply, Visit, or Request Information from Northern Illinois University

Updated

Prospective students can take any of three next steps directly from the NIU homepage: use Apply Now to submit an admission application, use Schedule a Visit to arrange an in-person or online campus visit, or use Request More Info to tell the university about yourself and receive follow-up information. All three paths are presented as the primary calls to action on niu.edu, so you do not need to hunt through menus to find them.

Apply Now: Submitting Your Application

The Apply Now button is the entry point for joining what NIU calls the "Huskie pack." It sits alongside the visit and information-request options at the top of the homepage.

  • Input: your application details as prompted in the application system.
  • Action: select Apply Now and complete the application for your intended program.
  • Expected result: your application is submitted to NIU for review.

Before applying, it helps to know what you want to study. NIU advertises 100+ areas of study, and the homepage links to a program explorer ("Explore Our Programs"), so you can confirm your intended major or pathway first. If cost is a concern, the site also states that 40% of Huskies graduate debt-free, with a link to learn more about aid — useful context to review before or alongside your application.

One program has a stated deadline on the homepage: the online master's in engineering management, which blends engineering and business coursework for students aiming to lead technical teams. The page says to apply by Dec. 10 to start this spring. If that program fits your goals, treat Dec. 10 as your working deadline; for other programs, check the specific program page for its own timeline.

Schedule a Visit: In Person or Online

The Schedule a Visit option lets you choose between visiting campus in person or joining online. The homepage describes it simply as "Join us in person or online."

  • Input: your preferred visit format (in-person or online) and scheduling details.
  • Action: select Schedule a Visit and follow the scheduling flow.
  • Expected result: a confirmed visit arrangement, either on campus or remote.

A visit is a reasonable step if you are deciding between programs or want to see campus life before committing. The homepage also points to an events calendar ("View the Events Map" / "Browse the Full Calendar") if you would rather attend a scheduled event than book an individual visit.

Request More Info: Getting Follow-Up Contact

The Request More Info form is for students who are earlier in the process and want the university to reach out.

  • Input: basic information about yourself, as prompted by the form ("Tell us more about yourself").
  • Action: submit the form.
  • Expected result: NIU follows up with additional information relevant to your interests.

This is the lowest-commitment option of the three and makes sense if you are still exploring whether NIU fits — for example, if you want details on a specific major, aid, or campus life before starting an application.

Choosing the Right Entry Point

Your situation Best entry point Why
Ready to apply to a program Apply Now Submits your admission application
Decided on the online M.S. in engineering management Apply Now (by Dec. 10 for spring start) Program has a stated application deadline
Comparing campuses or programs Schedule a Visit In-person or online visit options
Still gathering information Request More Info Triggers follow-up contact from NIU
Want to see campus activity first Events calendar Browse upcoming events before booking

What Else the Homepage Tells You

Beyond the three actions, the site surfaces a few facts worth knowing as you decide:

  • 30+ accelerated master's programs for students who want to fast-track a master's degree.
  • Student voices ("Huskie Spotlight") from current students in fields such as nutrition sciences, mechatronics engineering, music performance and education, and political science with educator licensure — useful for gauging fit.
  • Sustainability initiatives, including solar energy, restored prairies, and waste reduction, if campus values matter to your choice.
  • A newsroom covering research and faculty achievement, and an events calendar for campus activity.

The homepage does not list tuition figures or state that any of these actions require an account or payment, so confirm costs and requirements on the relevant program or aid page rather than assuming. Start with the action that matches your stage: apply if you are ready, visit if you are comparing, and request info if you are still deciding.