NEIU Viewbook 2025

YOU

Our Mission Is

YOU FIRST Whether you’re switching career paths, just starting out, finishing the education you began years ago, or becoming the first member of your family to attend college, earning your degree is no easy task. It takes focus, determination and prioritization of your goals.

At Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), we have priorities too. We put you first.

We believe in everything you can accomplish, so we work hard alongside you, working with you to cross your finish line.

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You Are Here

8-9

The NEIU Student

14-15

Career Readiness + Outcomes

4-5

Commitment to Access

10-11

Financial Aid

16-17

Research + Resources

6-7

Community Impact + Housing

12-13

Academics

18-19

Student Life

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If you are looking for diversity and a good quality education, come to NEIU. — Lailoma Nabizada (B.S. ’23 Computer Science)

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OPEN DOOR R Access to higher education has not always been available to all of us.

Students have faced barriers and disadvantages due to disability, race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status.

Northeastern is different.

As a proud Hispanic-Serving and Minority Serving Institution, we empower a diverse community of students to succeed in scholarship, career and life.

Commitment to Access Financial Access At Northeastern, we are committed to reducing financial obstacles to education through scholarships, grants and funding opportunities, particularly for low-income students and families, and historically underrepresented groups.

Cultural Access We create a welcoming, inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. This includes fostering a culture that addresses discrimination and bias and incorporating multicultural perspectives into the Northeastern experience.

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When I was at Northeastern, I was able to take advantage of all the resources they provided. I think having someone to rely on, not only in the classroom but also in the bureaucratic aspects, also helps a lot of students navigate the University setting.”

Championing Change Gabriela Buitrón Vera, a immigrant from Quito, Ecuador, and Northeastern alumna, received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2013. While she is grateful for the temporary protection the DACA program provides, she knows there is still a need for a broader, inclusive, and permanent immigration reform.

While at Northeastern, Gabriela was a founding member of the Undocumented, Resilient and Organized (URO) club, which became the foundation for Northeastern to establish resources for undocumented students.

— Gabriela Buitrón Vera (B.A. ’11 Spanish)

Gabriela earned her B.A. in Spanish from Northeastern. Later, she earned an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, becoming the first person in her family to earn a doctoral degree. Today, Gabriela teaches in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Loyola University Chicago, where she is working on a project that focuses on the undocumented and (DACA)mented experiences of Latin American migrants in the United States.

Photo by: Laura Waldron Photography

Our Mission Is You Proyecto Pa’Lante

Our Students 40+ Languages Spoken are 22% Students First-Generation

8% 10% Asian

43%

AfricanAmerican

14%

Hispanic

17% White

57% 8% 10% Asian

Project Success

51%

Other

Northeastern is committed to being a safe and accessible environment for undocumented students. NEIU has eliminated many of the deterrents that interfere with their higher education. Through our Undocumented Student Resources, students have access to one-on-one life advising, immigration experts, University and external resources, purposeful programming, DEI-trained faculty and staff and more.

43%

AfricanAmerican

14%

Students complete a college success seminar their first semester and receive holistic advice from a bilingual and bicultural staff focused on Latina/o/x identity development, leadership skills, academic success, major exploration and intercultural competencies.

Undocumented Student Resources

51%

Other

Proyecto Pa’Lante is a program created to promote college access and success for students who want a strong start to their college career and are either interested in learning about or are from U.S. Latinx communities.

Hispanic

17% White

Enrollment Fact Sheet Spring 2025

Pioneered by William “Doc” Speller in the 1960s, Project Success was established as an educational access and equity program focused on recruiting and retaining African American students. Today, the tradition of providing innovative support services continues for students of all backgrounds.

57%

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first Chicago is a bold, diverse and resilient place full of passion and promise. Northeastern is too.

Northeastern is a contributor to Chicago and we are proud of the unique mark we leave on this city. Not only do 72% of our alumni live and work in Illinois, but our students make an impact every day as they contribute to our state’s and our city’s workforce and talent

Community Involvement in the Arts The arts are for everyone. Northeastern invites our surrounding community to join us not just in the appreciation of the arts, but also in the creation. Music, dance and cultural programs invite adults and children from across communities to learn a variety of skills and practices. Our Fine Arts Center Gallery, Stage Center Theatre and Recital Hall welcome the public to their exhibitions and performances.

Alumni Story: Center Stage Northeastern Illinois University alumna Mary Santana (B.A. ‘11 Interdisciplinary Studies) started The Miracle Center (TMC) in 1995 with 10 children. Through years of persistence, TMC has become a haven of creativity where children, teens and adults embrace positive selfexpression through the arts. Through her work with faculty, Santana learned valuable lessons to expand TMC, taking a holistic approach to arts education and entrepreneurial empowerment.

Over the years, TMC has served thousands of students.

Teaching Chicago

Schools are at the heart of any community. To support and enhance the city of Chicago, NEIU has formed several partnerships with the Chicago Public Schools to better prepare its students for meeting the instructional needs of the city’s children. Through enrollment in one of our Job Embedded Teacher Preparation Pathways (JET Prep Pathways), NEIU students are able to work in CPS while they complete their degree and licensure programs and learn from highquality CPS teachers how to design and deliver challenging and culturally relevant instruction.

City Connections Days of Service Each year, Student Leadership and Development organizes several different days of service that allow students to impact the local Chicagoland community. For the last several years, Northeastern students and alums have come together to volunteer for various service projects.

Internships Through various grants and partnerships, NEIU has committed to connecting our students to internships and research opportunities found in Chicago. These are often paid, giving the student more flexibility to pursue their goals with hands-on learning. Whether it’s with a research leader like Argonne National Laboratory, a community organization like Palenque LSNA, or even the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, NEIU can help you rise above the rest.

ChicagoCHEC The Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC) is a National Cancer Institute partnership led by Northeastern Illinois University, Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Its mission is to advance cancer health equity through transdisciplinary education, training, scientific discovery and community engagement with programs across Chicago.

Living on Campus The NEIU Main Campus is situated in North Park, a beautiful and diverse Northside neighborhood.

While many students choose to commute, living on campus can also be a meaningful, convenient and rewarding experience. Campus housing can help you make the most of college life!

No. 1

in Illinois for Student Experience (Wall Street Journal, “2025 Best Colleges”)

The Nest Get the lifestyle you want with our fully furnished apartment-style residence halls featuring private bedroom and bathroom floor plans, a fitness center and an Academic Success Center.

Two- and four-bedroom apartments Private bedrooms and bathrooms 55” smart TV included High-speed internet 24-hour on-call staff Utilities included

Living Learning Communities

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Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are residential communities that incorporate an academic concentration into their housing experience.

Students in an LLC live together in the same area of The Nest, our on-campus residence hall, and share experiences that reinforce their academic focus, community engagement, and the theme of their LLC, which can encompass anything from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to Social Justice.

I’ve grown socially and academically here. The Living Learning Community (LLC) I was in at The Nest residence hall allowed me to gain experience living with other students. The LLC helped pay for my room and board, and I don’t think I would have been able to graduate college without the wonderful LLC opportunity.”

— Jesus Lopez (BSW ’24 Social Work)

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NEIU the

At Northeastern, you’ll find a community of barrier breakers. Our classrooms are full of odds defiers and residence halls are occupied by students rewriting the future of their families and communities. Diversity is around every corner.

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Every student’s journey is a unique one. No matter how long it takes, we will help you cross your finish line.

At NEIU, I’ve formed collaborative and supportive relationships with peers, fostering a strong sense of community, unlike my previous institution where interactions were more limited to the classroom.”

— Ziauddin Habibi (current student, B.S. Computer Science)

NEIU has helped, and continues to help, me find new ways to connect with people, whether it be students or faculty. They have taught me so much about myself, others and life in general. The events put on and activities offered really help to foster friendships with people.”

— Sarah Kelly (current student, B.A. Middle School Education)

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student

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I was worried I would feel out of place when I transferred to Northeastern, but there are more people my age here, which makes me feel comfortable coming back to classes. I like that a lot of people are coming back for second degrees or to complete their degrees for the first time.”

— Agnetta Krechner (B.S. ’23 Biology)

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I didn’t know a type of degree like this existed. So to find out I can obtain my bachelor’s degree and still be able to hold my full-time job, and my passion outside of work helping other people, is beautiful.”

— Eroica Del Real (B.A. ’23 University Without Walls; current student, M.A. Urban Community Studies) is a Trauma Response and Re-Entry

NEIU allowed me to chase my dreams and become the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. If you are a firstgeneration Latinx student thinking about enrolling at NEIU, do it now! You can think of Northeastern as a second home. It’s a place where you are cheered for your success, no matter how big or small. It’s as though you’ve found your place on this Earth. You feel like you belong.”

— Edwin Medina, (B.S. ’22 Marketing; MBA ’24 Business Administration)

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AFFO EXCE

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When I came to Northeastern, I realized there are so many opportunities—from student stipends, to student employment on campus, to scholarship opportunities that really help alleviate the financial burden. I’m proud to say that I haven’t taken out any student loans!”

— Alvin Gutierrez (B.A. ‘23 Elementary Education; current student, M.S. Teaching & Inquiry)

Learn more about financing your education.

neiu.edu

No. 1

most affordable public university in Illinois based on out-of-pocket costs

97%

of students who apply for financial aid receive financial assistance

43%

of undergraduates in fall 2023 had direct costs fully met through need-based assistance

57%

of our undergraduate degree-seeking population are Pell Grant-eligible

ORDABLE ELLENCE According to the U.S. News Best Colleges report, the median debt for undergraduate borrowers who complete college at NEIU is $14,600.

We know that education is not your only expense in life, and affordability is a huge factor in deciding how, where and when to attend college. No matter what, we will do everything we can to help you reach your financial and educational goals.

We have made it our priority to provide not only an excellent education but an affordable one. We are committed to closing the gaps and supporting higher education through financial aid, scholarships and grants that make education accessible.

Estimated Annual Tuition: (24 credit hours)

$10,343

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.

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“

At Northeastern, we pride ourselves on academic excellence, outstanding faculty, hands-on learning and holistic support for our students.

What makes the academics here particularly intriguing is the passion of the people who teach it. Their passion inspires you to learn.

It inspires you to tap further into the topic, even outside of the classroom. They’re the kind of teachers that stay with you, those teachers that want to see you succeed. It just makes it easier to succeed, I think.”

— Anokyewaa Oppong (B.M. ’22 Music Performance)

Learn more

about our programs.

OUR PROGRAMS neiu.edu

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College of Arts and Sciences

College of Business and Technology

Degree-granting Programs

Degree-granting Programs

Anthropology, B.A.* Art Education, B.A. Art, B.A. Biology, B.S.* Chemistry, B.S.* Communication, Media and Theatre, B.A.* Economics, B.A.* English, B.A.* Environmental Science, B.S.* Environmental Studies, B.A.* Geography, B.A.* Global Studies, B.A.* Graphic Design, BFA* History, B.A.* Justice Studies, B.A. Latina/o/x and Latin American Studies (LLAS), B.A.* Mathematics, B.A.* Music, B.A./B.M.* Philosophy, B.A.* Physics, B.S.* Political Science, B.A.* Psychology, B.A.* Social Work, BSW* Sociology, B.A.* Spanish, B.A.* Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, B.A.*

Accounting, B.S.* Computer Science, B.S.* Cybersecurity, B.S.* Finance, B.S.* General Business Administration, B.S. Information Technology, B.S.* Management, B.S.* Marketing, B.S.*

Minors Business Analytics Data Science Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship for Non-Business Majors Finance Financial Technology Forensic Accounting Global Business Management Human Resource Management Pre-MBA

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Degree-granting Programs

Minors African and African American Studies Applied Mathematics Art History Asian Studies Biomathematics Child Advocacy Studies Communication Creative Writing Criminology Dance Disability Studies Earth Science Elementary Education and Humanities Mathematics French Studies Geographic Information Science Gerontology Interaction Design Jewish Studies Journalism Korean Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Studies (LGBTQ) Linguistics Mathematical and Statistical Modeling of Complex Systems Media Photography Public Administration Social Justice Studio Art Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Theatre

Community Health, B.S. Early Childhood Education, B.A. Elementary Education, B.A. Human Resource Development, B.A.* Middle Level Education, B.A. Physical Education K-12 Licensure, B.A. Secondary Education Accelerated, M.A. (choose content area as undergraduate major): • Language Arts • Social Studies: History • Mathematics • Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Earth Science Special Education, B.A. Urban Community Studies, B.A.*

Minors Bilingual Education Educational Studies Exercise Science Focus Programs Health Promotions Math and Science Concepts

Nontraditional Degree Programs Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A. (BAIS) University Without Walls Program (UWW)

Pre-professional Advising for: Law School (J.D.) Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) Chiropractic Medicine (D.C.) Dental (DDS/DMD) Nursing (R.N./N.P.)

*Also offered as a minor

Occupational Therapy (ODT) Optometry (O.D.) Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physician Assistant (P.A.) Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Veterinary (DVM)

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CAREER READINESS The Power of Networking

Finance major Julio E. Arreola harnessed the power of mentorships, networking, and his personal passions to land multiple high-profile internships and, eventually, his dream job in real estate finance.

As a first-generation high school graduate and first-generation college student from Chicago, Julio knows firsthand that making your way in the world is a group effort. It requires the support and connections of those around you. During his four years at NEIU, Julio secured five different internship opportunities, working with companies such as AIG and CBRE, the largest commercial real estate services company in the world, and he credits his success to the power of networking.

After completing his internship with ORIX Real Estate Capital Holdings, LLC, an international financial services group with headquarters in Japan, Julio accepted a position as an analyst for Lument, a brand of ORIX. “I never would have thought I would have gotten my foot into the door at CBRE or ORIX. The ORIX internship was in Columbus, Ohio. [My mentors] flew me out. They paid for my hotel. I interviewed with about 20-30 other potential interns on just one of their several days of internship interviews.

Out of a pool of 60-plus possible interns, they only hired three and I was one of them.”

Today, Julio works on financial analyses for underwriting senior housing, healthcare and affordable housing.

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I can’t preach this enough, but mentorship and networking, getting advice from seasoned professionals who’ve walked the path before, is so valuable.”

—Julio E. Arreola (B.S. ’21 Finance)

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Your education is an important first step toward career readiness, and there is so much more to learn outside the lecture hall. You need hands-on experience, mentors and connections that will take you from classroom to boardroom, research lab to performance studio and beyond.

At NEIU, we empower you to take your skills into the world, grow your network, practice your craft and learn from experts in your field.

Tests and essays will only take you so far. Where will you go next?

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Northeastern has countless opportunities for people who are really committed to success. The services and faculty at NEIU have given me the opportunity to explore my career and personal interests in an open-minded and supportive way.”

— Jeremiah Hunt (B.A. ’24 Environmental Studies) With help from his connections at NEIU, specifically Alex Peimer, Ph.D., Jeremiah obtained an internship through the Chicagoland Environmental Network and the State of Indiana. With his degree and this experience under his belt, he has entered the field of environmental management, environmental consultation, research and other related fields that combine science with real-world social problems.

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opportunities to

SUCCEED University Honors Program Become part of an exceptional community of scholars.

Northeastern’s University Honors Program (UHP) combines in-depth and personalized educational experiences at the highest possible level with fun and lifelong friendships.

Designed for students in all majors, honors courses are more thought-provoking, focusing on critical thinking and creative problem-solving. The average class size is 10 students, giving students the opportunity to get to know their professors and work one-on-one with them.

Scholarships, personalized advising, and the Honors Living Learning Community are available.

Resources Highlight Whether you’re interested in STEM, business, education or the arts, we have resources to help you succeed.

STEM: The Student Center for Science Engagement is a collaborative community space where students gather to study and talk about the STEM disciplines. There, they form study groups, receive free tutoring, find internship and research opportunities and get individualized guidance on preparing for science-oriented careers.

Business: The College of Business and Technology provides professional advisors to help facilitate your timely degree program completion; optional professional certifications that match your degree at zero additional cost; and support to find work in your professional field — whether an internship or full-time job.

Education: The Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education is one of the largest public educator preparation program in the Chicago area. It offers nine undergraduate and 21 graduate degree programs, plus an expansive list of scholarships, partnerships, and certificate and non-degree programs that will help you advance your career.

Arts: The College of Arts and Sciences offers 30 departments. From Art + Design to Communication, Media and Theatre, you can pursue your passion with programs that teach both the theory and the practical skills you need to thrive. This combination of inspiration with real-world knowledge will prepare you for a fulfilling career in the fine, performing or applied arts.

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students received support from the McNair Program at Northeastern

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The McNair Scholars Program and Deborah Klos Dehring, Ph.D., gave Nathaniel Santiago a boost at NEIU and beyond.

When I started my journey toward physics and graduate school, my first step was McNair. I quickly realized how valuable the resources McNair offered were. Dr. Dehring was a seasoned veteran of scientific academia and she had a plethora of advice that I found incredibly helpful. She helped prepare me for my first research internship in computational particle physics that summer at the University of Rochester, where I took my first steps toward becoming a scientist. Since then, McNair has only continued to help me grow.

McNair helped me find year-round research funding so I could continually develop myself as a physicist while still supporting myself. This experience culminated in an amazing opportunity the next summer, where I was accepted into the MIT Summer Research Program.

Before McNair, I could never have even dreamed of attending an institution as prestigious as MIT to do computational particle physics.

I can’t imagine being there or being successful without the tireless work and advocacy of the NEIU McNair program to help students like myself.”

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— Nathaniel Santiago (current student, B.S. Physics)

Northeastern is close to home and it’s affordable compared to other universities in Chicago.

Scholarships and special programs are posted all over the school and available at the Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) and the Financial Aid Office. From day one, my teachers took an interest in my future goals and in helping me in my studies.”

— Alicia Thompson (B.S. ’24 Biology)

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GET INVOLVE A college experience is more than just what you learn in the classroom. It’s connections, friends, fun and memories you’ll hold on to forever.

You can make the most of your college experience at NEIU with opportunities to contribute, get involved and develop new life experiences through Student Affairs and the over 70 organizations and clubs offered by Student Leadership Development.

Campus Rec Whether you’re looking to get fit in our weight room or on the track, take a yoga class, join the boxing club, pick up a basketball game or play club and intramural sports, you should visit Campus Rec. It’s not just a place, it’s a community!

Student Government Association (Senate and Council of Clubs) SGA is the voice of the student body. The Senate raises awareness of student concerns and advocates for change, while COC approves finances for student organizations.

Northeastern Programming Board NPB is the University-wide programming board. Run by students for students, NPB provides activities such as outings, tournaments, concerts, films and social activities for students.

Greek Life

NEIU currently has six sororities and three fraternities offering philanthropy, academic support, social activities and a sense of community for students.

Student Media Board

Have your voice heard by joining the radio station, literary magazine, podcasting studios or our award-winning newspaper. Our doors to expression are open.

The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs

The Pedroso Center provides a safe and welcoming space for everyone. It provides programming and initiatives designed to educate and empower students and employees through social and cultural lenses and intersections.

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“

I would describe the community on the NEIU campus as small, great, productive, resourceful and much more. I’m in the Psychology Club and I’m vice president of the Future Health Professionals (FHP) organization.”

— Mariah Droszcz (B.A. ’22 Psychology)

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Northeastern Illinois University offers academic programs and support services at four convenient Chicagoland locations.

Plan your visit at neiu.edu/visit.

Main Campus 5500 North St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625

El Centro 3390 North Avondale Avenue Chicago, IL 60618

Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies 700 East Oakwood Boulevard Chicago, IL 60653

University Center of Lake County 1200 University Center Drive Grayslake, IL 60030

APPLY TODAY. neiu.edu/apply