Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Total Enrollment

15,414

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

189

189 programs

Full-Time Students

10,019

1,329 part-time

Total FTE

13,016

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

14:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

4054

Total Recent Graduates

With 15,414 students, Northern Illinois University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 189 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 10,019 (88.3%)

88.3%

Part-Time Students 1,329 (11.7%)

Total Students 11,348

Predominantly full-time students (88.3%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (65.0%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

54.8%

8,454 students

Men

45.2%

6,960 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

44.3%

6,831 students

White

44.3% (6,831)

Hispanic/Latino

22.1% (3,407)

Black/African American

17.8% (2,741)

International Students

6.3% (972)

Asian

6.0% (921)

Two or More Races

1.7% (268)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.4% (64)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (13)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 15,414 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 44% of the student body (6,831 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

11,348 students

47% Men, 53% Women

10,019 Full-time 1,329 Part-time

Diversity Index: 71% • Minority Students: 54%

Graduate students

4,146 students

42% Men, 58% Women

1,908 Full-time 2,164 Part-time

Diversity Index: 68% • Minority Students: 24%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

11,878

All full-time students

5,556 men, 6,322 women

Diversity: 74%

All Full-Time

11,927

All full-time students

5,505 men, 6,422 women

Diversity: 73%

FT Undergraduate

10,019

Full-time undergraduate

4,643 men, 5,376 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Undergraduate

9,896

Full-time undergraduate

4,594 men, 5,302 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Degree-Seeking

10,019

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

4,643 men, 5,376 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Degree-Seeking

9,895

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

4,593 men, 5,302 women

Diversity: 71%

FT First-Time

1,979

Full-time first-time students

920 men, 1,059 women

Diversity: 72%

FT First-Time

2,179

Full-time first-time students

990 men, 1,189 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Continuing

7,716

Full-time continuing students

3,603 men, 4,113 women

Diversity: 70%

FT Continuing

8,040

Full-time continuing students

3,723 men, 4,317 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Transfer

1,090

Full-time transfer students

504 men, 586 women

Diversity: 63%

FT Transfer

1,238

Full-time transfer students

613 men, 625 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Continuing

6,802

Full-time other continuing

3,110 men, 3,692 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Continuing

6,626

Full-time other continuing

3,099 men, 3,527 women

Diversity: 71%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

Diversity: 0%

FT Graduate

1,908

Full-time graduate students

862 men, 1,046 women

Diversity: 73%

FT Graduate

1,982

Full-time graduate students

962 men, 1,020 women

Diversity: 71%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

3,626

All part-time students

1,491 men, 2,135 women

Diversity: 62%

All Part-Time

3,487

All part-time students

1,455 men, 2,032 women

Diversity: 62%

PT Undergraduate

1,329

Part-time undergraduate

687 men, 642 women

Diversity: 65%

PT Undergraduate

1,462

Part-time undergraduate

729 men, 733 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,382

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

706 men, 676 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,282

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

668 men, 614 women

Diversity: 66%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

6 men, 6 women

Diversity: 61%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

14 men, 9 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

1,270

Part-time continuing students

662 men, 608 women

Diversity: 65%

PT Continuing

1,359

Part-time continuing students

692 men, 667 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Transfer

235

Part-time transfer students

107 men, 128 women

Diversity: 64%

PT Transfer

223

Part-time transfer students

108 men, 115 women

Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

1,047

Part-time other continuing

554 men, 493 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Continuing

1,124

Part-time other continuing

585 men, 539 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

19 men, 28 women

Diversity: 53%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

23 men, 57 women

Diversity: 55%

PT Graduate

2,164

Part-time graduate students

762 men, 1,402 women

Diversity: 59%

PT Graduate

2,158

Part-time graduate students

768 men, 1,390 women

Diversity: 59%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,766

White

2,381

Black/African American

2,917

Hispanic/Latino

728

Asian

201

International

Diversity Index: 71% Minority Students: 54%

Graduate students

2,088

White

310

Black/African American

468

Hispanic/Latino

222

Asian

888

International

Diversity Index: 68% Minority Students: 24%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Northern Illinois University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northern Illinois University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 15,414 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (65.0%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 13,016 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 62% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (14:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8008923050

Address

1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.

Dekalb, IL 60115-2828

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials