Continue Your Education at NEIU
Take the next step in your education!
Թ (NEIU) provides a wide range of pathways for students who want to continue their education and advance their career.
Low Student Debt
Թ is the no. 1 most affordable public university in Illinois based on out-of-pocket costs
According to U.S. News & World Report, Northeastern is the best in the state and among the nation’s leaders at graduating students with the least debt for the 7th year in a row.
Pathways to Success
Northeastern offers four pathways and various programs to get you into the classroom and on your way to graduating with a degree that will help pursue your career endeavors.
The undergraduate pathway is for first-year students, transfer students and second bachelor’s degree-seeking students and undergraduate students-at-large.
Northeastern offers 40+ undergraduate degree and certificate options across three colleges: Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education.
Transfer students can transfer coursework from community colleges, trade schools and other universities. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Transcripts are evaluated to determine how many credits transfer toward your degree from Northeastern.
Undergraduate students-at-large (non-degree seeking) can take classes—without pursuing a full degree—for personal or professional enrichment.
Explore our undergraduate admission requirements and how to apply.
The graduate and professional pathway is for students seeking a master’s degree or an educational doctorate, as well as advanced credentials.
Northeastern offers more than 50 graduate programs, including master's degrees, an educational doctorate, licensures, endorsements and graduate certificates across a wide range of disciplines
Graduate certificate programs are focused sets of graduate-level courses that enhance specific professional skills or knowledge. They're available even if you're concurrently pursuing a degree, provided you apply separately. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate coursework is required
Explore graduate and professional admission requirements and how to apply.
The nontraditional degree pathway is for students taking a multidisciplinary and unconventional path to higher education. These students may return to education later in life, balancing their studies with full-time jobs or family responsibilities, attending part-time, or pursuing their degree online. In Nontraditional Degree Programs there are two regionally accredited undergraduate degree completion programs for adult students at Թ:
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: A credit-based, alternative, self-paced program compatible with career and family responsibilities.
- University Without Walls Program: Earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree by designing and completing approved experiential curricula as an alternative to traditional courses.
Explore NEIU’s Nontraditional Degree Programs and how you can attain the degree you seek.
The Office of Community and Professional Education (CAPE) offers non-credit workshops, music and dance classes, test prep, CEUs, tutoring and summer programs. This option is great for personal enrichment, career development or acquiring new skills in a flexible format
WorkForce Institute Bootcamps are in partnership with the WorkForce Institute. Northeastern runs immersive certificate bootcamps (Data Analyst with Generative AI, UI/UX Design, Digital Marketing). These are online, career-focused and typically last 12–24 weeks. They include career services and a tuition back guarantee if not satisfied within the first 15 days.
Adult and executive education options are offered through the College of Business and Technology (CBT), these programs support customized training for professional and leadership development.
Northeastern partners with City Colleges of Chicago to ease the transfer to a four-year degree in education or other fields.
Through the Chicago Star Scholarship, Chicago Public Schools graduates attending City Colleges of Chicago may enter Northeastern with transfer scholarships, supported as part of a larger network of partner universities.
Northeastern hosts programs supporting college readiness and access in Chicago schools via GEAR UP program and college access supports.
NEIU offers flexible programs and classes
Programs that fit your interests
Northeastern offers more than 120 majors and minors at the undergraduate level and more than 50 graduate degree programs, as well as certificates and endorsements. Find what interests you and explore the possibilities!
Flexible classes allow for ease
Flexible learning is a highlight of a Northeastern education. In some cases, students can take courses at just one location or across multiple locations during the day, evenings, on weekends or online.
2025-2026 estimated annual tuition (based on 24 credit hours)
of students who apply for financial aid receive financial assistance
of undergraduates in fall 2023 had direct costs fully met through need-based assistance
of our undergraduate degree-seeking population are Pell Grant-eligible
Financial Assistance and Opportunities
Scholarships help offset the costs of attending college. Take a look at Northeastern’s scholarship opportunities and see if you qualify!
A helpful guide to financial aid terms
- Pell-Eligible: Being “Pell-Eligible” means that you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, which is a certain kind of grant usually awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree.
- Need-based grants and scholarships: Free money; you do not need to pay it back. Based on your FAFSA results.
- Merit-based grants and scholarships: Free money; you do not need to pay it back. Based on grades, tests and other criteria.
- Student employment: You’ll receive compensation for work that you can use to help pay for your education. Sources include the Federal Work-Study Program and local opportunities.
- Loans: Not free money; loans will need to be paid back, with interest. Federal need-based student loans with relatively good terms are available
Apply for FAFSA Today
Apply for FASFA at and use NEIU’s school code 001693. Students not eligible for the FAFSA may be eligible for the .
Take a closer look and plan your visit today
Northeastern offers academic programs and support services at four convenient Chicago metropolitan locations.
- Main Campus
- Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies
- El Centro
- University Center of Lake County
Tour our beautiful Main Campus on Chicago's Northwest Side. Choose the option that works for you. We look forward to seeing you on campus!
- Schedule a campus tour
- Attend a Preview Day
- Attend an Open House
- Bring a group to visit
Contact Us
For more information about our programs and services, please connect with the appropriate office.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Admissions
(773) 442-4050
admissions@neiu.edu
Graduate Students
Graduate Admissions
(773) 442-6001
graduateadmissions@neiu.edu