Apply to NIU As a Transfer Student
Start Your Application
No application fee. No test scores to submit.
It’s easy to start your transfer journey!
Apply now for fall 2024 and spring 2025.
Merit scholarships for new transfer students applying for the fall 2024 semester will continue to be awarded until Aug. 1, 2024.
More Information and Assistance
For official information, refer to admissions requirements in the undergraduate catalog.
If you need help applying, contact us at transfercenter@niu.edu or schedule a virtual appointment.
Application Requirements
The requirements depend on how many credit hours you have:
I’ve Taken 12 Credit Hours or Less
- You must meet requirements for first-year students.
- Your GPA for the 12 or less credit hours won’t be considered.
I’ve Taken More than 12 but Earned Less than 24 Credit Hours
You must:
- Meet requirements for first-year students.
- Be in good standing at the last school you attended.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00 from all colleges/universities attended.
I’ve Earned 24 Credit Hours or More
You must:
- Be in good standing at the last school you attended.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00 from all colleges/universities attended.
Additional Requirements
Limited Admission Programs
Some programs limit the number of students they admit. If you want to enroll in a limited admission program, you’ll need to meet additional requirements.
International Students
You must meet some additional requirements. Learn more about requirements for international transfer students.Prior Applicants
Be sure to submit recent transcripts. If your transcript was printed more than one year from the date you apply, we can’t use it. Learn more about re-enrolling at NIU.Application Deadlines
Submit your application and supporting documents by the application deadline. Apply earlier if you want to be considered for a transfer merit scholarship or you’re asking for a review of an admission decision.
Term | Deadline |
---|---|
Summer | May 15 |
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Guaranteed Admission
If you attend or have an associate degree from a participating community college, you could be guaranteed admission to NIU. Fill out the Guaranteed Admission Program Participation Form at least one year before your first semester at NIU.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a high school graduate
- Be in good standing at your school
- Have completed at least 24 transferable credit hours
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (out of 4.00) at all colleges/universities attended
- Have completed required general education coursework
We’ve also partnered with several community colleges to provide a seamless transfer experience for students in certain majors.
After You Apply
After you submit your application and supporting documents, check your email for a message from admissions@niu.edu. Follow the steps to activate your NIU account ID and log in to MyNIU to check your application status.
It usually takes us about two weeks to make an admission decision once we have all your materials.
Transfer Student Spotlight
When I transferred from a community college, I was very nervous about being a little fish in a big pond. I expected to get lost in a sea of students. I couldn't have been further from the mark. It's quite remarkable how much the faculty and staff at NIU truly care for their students.
Campus Safety
NIU provides an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF).
Additional file formats and information about the annual report are available on the NIU Clery website. To request a hard copy, please contact the director of Clery Compliance at clerycompliance@niu.edu or 815-753-1649.