A diploma case is displayed in front of a Northeastern Illinois University banner.

Northeastern Illinois University is a vibrant learning and research community, with its Main Campus on the Northwest Side of Chicago and three other locations in the area. At Northeastern, more than 100 countries are represented by our student body, and the student-to-teacher ratio is a low 13 to 1. Here is what you also should know about Northeastern.

Awards and Recognitions

Northeastern, a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, is consistently recognized as a national leader among its peers. Here are some of the highlights:

Low student debt

  • 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.

Safety

  • According to ASecureLife.com, Northeastern is ranked seventh in the nation and first in Illinois with the lowest rates of property-related crime on college and university campuses.

  • In 2017, according to College Stats, Northeastern is the nation’s third-safest campus. In addition, YourLocalSecurity ranked Northeastern as the safest campus in Illinois.

Diversity

Top 10 Majors

Northeastern’s top 10 majors from the Fall 2020 semester: 

  1. Computer Science
  2. Psychology
  3. Social Work
  4. Accounting
  5. Biology
  6. Interdisciplinary Studies
  7. Communication, Media and Theatre
  8. Management
  9. Justice Studies
  10. Early Childhood Education

Four Chicago-Area Locations 

Access to Opportunity is one of Northeastern’s six written values. We offer a variety of classes and degree-granting programs at four locations. Enrollment, financial aid and academic support services are offered at each location.

Northeastern Illinois University (Main Campus) 

Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies

El Centro

University Center of Lake County

Accreditations

Northeastern Illinois University has regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Read more information about all of Northeastern's accreditations.