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Northern Illinois University
(NIU)
About
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university in DeKalb, Illinois, United States. It was founded as "Northern Illinois State Normal School" in 1895 by Illinois Governor John P. Altgeld, initially to provide the state with college-educated teachers. In addition to the main campus in DeKalb, it has satellite centers in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon, Illinois.
Ranking Overview
Ranked Top 801 worldwide across 3 major ranking systems
Ranked in 15 subject rankings
QS World University Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities
U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings
Key Facts
- Students
- 13,032
- Student-Staff Ratio
- 14.7 : 1
- Int'l Students
- 8%
- Female : Male
- 54 : 46
- Staff
- 2,963
Historical Trend
Longitudinal View
QS
THE
US News
Top Subjects
Best-performing areasSubject Rankings
Detailed breakdownARWU
9 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication & Media Studies | 151-200 | - | 2023 |
| Public Administration | 151-200 | - | 2023 |
| Sociology | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Physics & Astronomy | 301-400 | - | 2025 |
| Politics | 301-400 | - | 2020 |
| Education & Training | 301-400 | - | 2025 |
| Business Administration | 301-400 | - | 2023 |
| Psychology | 401-500 | - | 2025 |
| Management | 401-500 | - | 2025 |
US News
1 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics & Astronomy | 333 | 37.1 | 2026 |
THE
8 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences | 401–500 | 40.1 | 2026 |
| Psychology | 401–500 | 33.6 | 2026 |
| Education & Training | 501–600 | 29.0 | 2026 |
| Engineering & Technology | 601–800 | 31.6 | 2026 |
| Business & Economics | 601–800 | 28.8 | 2026 |
| Arts & Humanities | 601–800 | 16.8 | 2026 |
| Clinical & Health | 801–1000 | 22.9 | 2026 |
| Social Sciences | 801–1000 | 21.6 | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ranking of Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University's performance in the latest university rankings: QS Rank 1501+, THE Rank 801–1000, US News Rank =1,195.
When was Northern Illinois University founded?
Northern Illinois University was founded in 1895.
What are the top subjects at Northern Illinois University?
Top subjects at Northern Illinois University include: Communication & Media Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, Physics & Astronomy, Politics.
Where is Northern Illinois University located?
Northern Illinois University is located in DeKalb, United States.