Chicago's affordable public university breaking barriers since 1867 with 70+ programs and deep community roots.
NEIU offers 70+ undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges. The College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Technology, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, and College of Graduate Studies and Research provide bachelor's and master's degrees. The university emphasizes small classes with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and faculty who are scholar-practitioners. Special programs include the McNair Scholars, University Honors Program, Intensive English Program, and nontraditional degree programs recognizing prior learning and life experience.
The main North Park campus features Bernard J. Brommel Hall (Arts & Sciences), Lech Walesa Hall (Education & Graduate programs), Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center, Ronald Williams Library (five floors with archives and tech services), and The Nest residence hall with fitness center. El Centro in Avondale serves the Latino community; the Carruthers Center in Bronzeville focuses on African-centered education. Student body is 44.1% Hispanic, 23% White, 12.3% Black, 8.2% Asian; 53% are low-income. The university hosts WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM, one of the longest-running free-form community radio stations.
97% of students receive financial assistance through grants, scholarships, and loans. NEIU's affordability is a key strength, with the university ranked #1 for out-of-pocket costs among Illinois public universities. The university welcomes transfer students and offers pathways for adult learners. International programs and ESL support are available through El Centro and other campus locations.
Notable alumni include U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez, MacArthur Fellow Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, and numerous Chicago civic leaders. The university emphasizes social mobility and community engagement through internships, research opportunities, and connections to the Chicago region. NEIU's mission centers on breaking barriers and empowering students to serve and uplift their communities.