Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University (NIU) was chartered in 1895, and first opened its doors as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1899 as a teachers' school. Over the course of more than a century, NIU has grown into a research-focused public institution that attracts students from all over the world. The university is home to thousands of diverse students, more than 1000 of whom are from overseas, who make this campus a truly multicultural community. NIU's seven colleges offer 56 majors with 90 emphases, 73 minors, and seven pre-professional programs. Additionally, there are life-changing opportunities offered through internships, student organizations and more. NIU’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) advises and supports the university's international community with their visas, social, and cultural adjustment to the USA, as well as acting as a liaison with relevant government agencies.