Transfer Application Requirements and Deadlines
Transfer admission criteria is based on the number of completed hours at the time of transfer. How many hours have you taken?
Requirements for Transfer Admissions
If you've attempted up to and including 12 semester hours of credit, you'll be evaluated as a freshman for admission purposes and must meet the current freshman admission requirements. The Grade Point Average (GPA) earned for the attempted 12 hours or less will not affect the admission decision.
If you've attempted more than 12 semester hours, but have earned fewer than 24 semester hours of transferable credit at the time of application, you must:
- Meet current freshman admission requirements.
- Be in good standing at the last college/university attended.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards).
If you've earned 24-59 semester hours -or- earned 60 or more semester hours of transferable credit at the time of application, you must:
- Be in good standing at the last college/university attended.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards).
Compact Benefits for Public Community College Graduates
A graduate of a regionally accredited U.S. public community college who has not previously attended NIU will be admitted as long as there is space available. The student will enter with junior standing and all NIU general education requirements will be considered complete if the student has met the following qualifications prior to enrolling at NIU:
- One of the following degrees:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Science (A.S.) or an approved Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree from an Illinois public community college
- An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree baccalaureate-oriented program from an out-of-state public community college
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Early Childhood from any Illinois community college entitled to offer the Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 4 and earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, for those pursuing a degree in Early Childhood.
current freshman admission requirements. The Grade Point Average (GPA) earned for the attempted 12 hours or less will not affect the admission decision.
If you've attempted more than 12 semester hours, but have earned fewer than 24 semester hours of transferable credit at the time of application, you must:
- Meet current freshman admission requirements.
- Be in good standing at the last college/university attended.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards).
If you've earned 24-59 semester hours -or- earned 60 or more semester hours of transferable credit at the time of application, you must:
- Be in good standing at the last college/university attended.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C average) from all colleges/universities attended (as computed by NIU standards).
Compact Benefits for Public Community College Graduates
A graduate of a regionally accredited U.S. public community college who has not previously attended NIU will be admitted as long as there is space available. The student will enter with junior standing and all NIU general education requirements will be considered complete if the student has met the following qualifications prior to enrolling at NIU:
- One of the following degrees:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Science (A.S.) or an approved Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree from an Illinois public community college
- An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree baccalaureate-oriented program from an out-of-state public community college
If you hold a GED or do not meet the posted admissions requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions for additional opportunities for admissions review.
Term | Opens* | Deadline |
Summer | August 1 | May 15 |
Fall | August 1 | August 1 |
Spring | May 1 | December 1 |
*The application opens on these dates, the year prior to the application deadline.
Other Important Info
- More deadline information
- Next steps for admitted students
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Come for a visit
- Transfer
- Transfer Credit
- Guaranteed Admission Program
- Community College Partner Agreements
- Elgin Community College Cohort 2+2
- Kishwaukee College 2 Degrees in 3 Years Program
- NIU at University Center at Harper College
- NIU Engineering @ Rock Valley College
- Choose Your Path
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