How can I apply to NEIU?

Students can apply through NEIU’s Online Application Portal. You can also add NEIU to your Common App.

How can I meet with an admission counselor?

Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with an admission counselor.

How can I schedule a campus tour?

For an individual tour, visit Campus Tours, select an available date and time and complete the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email with information about where to meet. For a group tour, visit Group Visit and provide the group size, preferred date and any special requests.

Where do I send my transcripts?

If your school uses an electronic transcript service such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or eScrip-Safe, have your official transcripts sent to adocs@neiu.edu. Transcripts may also be mailed to Northeastern Illinois University, Office of Admissions, 5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.

What are my next steps after I have been accepted?

Visit Admitted Students for a personalized checklist based on your student type (first-year, transfer, readmitted, second bachelor's or student-at-large). The page outlines your next steps, including activating your NEIUport account, completing enrollment requirements, registering for classes and preparing for your first semester.

Can I defer my admission if I cannot attend school right now?

Admitted undergraduate students may defer enrollment for up to one year. Download and complete the Undergraduate Deferment Request Form, email it to admrec@neiu.edu, and indicate the future term you plan to attend. Students who enroll at another college or university during the deferment period must reapply.

How can I find out which credits will transfer to NEIU?

Visit the NEIU Transfer Center to review transfer guides and course equivalency sheets organized by community college. The most accurate evaluation is completed after a student applies, is admitted, and submits official transcripts.

How can I learn more about a specific graduate program?

Schedule a meeting with a Graduate Admissions Advisor to discuss program options and admission requirements.

How do I apply to Graduate School at NEIU?

Graduate programs may have different admission requirements. Meet with a Graduate Admissions Advisor early in the process to review your program options, application requirements and admission criteria.

What are the graduate application deadlines?

Application deadlines vary by program. General deadlines are June 15 for international fall applicants and July 15 for domestic fall applicants, October 1 for international spring applicants and November 1 for domestic spring applicants and March 1 for international summer applicants and April 1 for domestic summer applicants.

Where should I send my graduate transcripts?

Official transcripts must be sent directly from your previous institution to gradadocs@neiu.edu.

What should I do after being admitted to a graduate program at NEIU?

Respond to your admission offer, set up your NEIUport account, contact your graduate faculty advisor to schedule an initial meeting and establish your plan of study, register for classes and meet with Financial Aid to discuss funding options.

How can I check my financial aid status?

Log in to NEIUport and select the Financial Aid tab. Review your estimated award, check for To Do items or missing documents and monitor your financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress status.

What should I do if I have a remaining balance?

Students may apply for loans, search for scholarships or contact Student Payment Services to discuss a payment plan.

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?

SAP is a federal requirement students must meet to remain eligible for financial aid. At NEIU, undergraduate students must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, graduate students must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, students must complete at least 67% of attempted courses and students must remain within the maximum credit limit for their degree program.

What are the steps to submit a student loan application?

Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and sign the Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov. Then submit the NEIU Federal Direct Loan Request Form through NEIUport and monitor your loan status in the Current Student tab.

How can I get help with financial aid?

Students may visit the Financial Aid Office without an appointment and meet with the advisor on duty. Students may also call (773) 442-5016, email financial-aid@neiu.edu or schedule an in-person or virtual appointment through NEIUport.

Where can I view available scholarships at NEIU?

Visit the NEIU AcademicWorks portal. After logging in with your NEIU credentials and completing the general application, the system will identify scholarships for which you may qualify.

What is the Stafford Exit Counseling Hold?

This hold indicates that a student must complete federal student loan exit counseling. It generally applies to students who are graduating, withdrawing, or dropping below half-time enrollment.

How do I determine whether I am eligible for student employment?

Students must generally be enrolled in at least six credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA as an undergraduate or 3.0 GPA as a graduate student. Students seeking Federal Work-Study must also complete the FAFSA and meet financial eligibility requirements.

How can I search for student jobs?

Search and apply for student employment opportunities by logging in to Handshake. Some departments may also post openings on their websites or on bulletin boards near Enrollment Services.

What do I need to do after receiving a student employment offer?

Complete all required hiring and tax forms, finish Section 1 of the I-9 form, upload the required documents through the NEIU Onboarding Portal, complete the orientation module and present original, unexpired documents in person to complete Section 2 of the I-9 form.

How many hours can a student employee work?

During the semester, students may work up to 20 hours per week across all on-campus jobs. During University breaks, students may work up to 25 hours per week when the university is open. Summer limits depend on enrollment status.
 

Who is my academic advisor?

Your assigned advisor can be found in NEIUport. If you are unsure who your advisor is, email advising@neiu.edu for assistance.

How can I schedule an appointment with my advisor?

Email your assigned advisor directly or use the Advising Appointment Portal to schedule an appointment.

I am undecided about my major. Can I still receive advising?

Yes. The Advising Center helps undecided students explore majors and develop an academic plan that aligns with their interests and goals.

Why do I have an advising hold?

An advising hold is generally placed to ensure you meet with an advisor to review course selection, degree requirements, general education requirements, major options, placement results and your academic plan.

How can I resolve an advising hold?

Contact your assigned academic advisor to schedule a meeting. Review your academic progress and prepare questions before the appointment. After meeting with your advisor, complete any required next steps so the hold can be removed.

How do I add a class?

Log in to NEIUport, go to Registration Tools, select Add/Drop Classes, enter the Course Reference Number for the class and follow the prompts to submit your registration.

How do I drop a class?

Log in to NEIUport, go to Registration Tools, select Add/Drop Classes, find the course you want to drop, select the drop option, and submit the change.

How can I view or request my transcript?

Current students may view an unofficial transcript through NEIUport. To request an official transcript, visit the Transcripts webpage.

How do I declare my major?

Complete the Undergraduate Major/Minor Declaration Form by visiting the Declaring a Major/Minor webpage. Obtain any required signatures from your academic advisor or department chair and submit the completed form for processing.

How can I pay my tuition and fees?

Payments can be made through NEIUport. Accepted methods include credit and debit cards, although convenience fees may apply. Visit the Understanding My University Billing webpage for additional billing information.

When are payments due?

Payment due dates vary by semester. Students should review the current semester billing information and their NEIUport account for the applicable deadline.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A deferred payment fee or late payment fee may be assessed. An Accounts Receivable hold may also be placed on the account, which can prevent future registration until the balance is resolved or reduced to the required amount.

Can I set up a payment plan?

Yes. Contact Student Payment Services at (773) 442-5165 or studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu to discuss available payment plan options.

How do I receive my refund?

Refunds are generally processed after the tenth day of classes. Students may receive refunds by direct deposit through NEIUport or by paper check mailed to the address on file. Keep your mailing address current in NEIUport.

How do I resolve a hold on my account?

If you have an Accounts Receivable hold, make a payment through NEIUport or contact Student Payment Services at (773) 442-5165 to discuss your options. Other types of holds may require assistance from the office that placed the hold.

Why might my bill be higher than expected?

A bill may include differential tuition or fees associated with specific programs or courses, graduation fees or other charges. Review your account statement carefully and contact Student Payment Services at studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu if you need clarification.

How does dropping classes affect financial aid and scholarships?

Dropping classes may cause financial aid or scholarship funds to be reduced or reversed, which could create a balance that the student must repay. Each student’s situation is reviewed individually.

What is the deadline for international students to apply?

International applicants must submit all required documents by June 15 for fall, October 1 for spring, and March 1 for summer.

Can I work on campus as an international student?

International students may generally work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 25 hours per week during vacation periods. Students must obtain a Social Security number and should contact the Office of International Programs for guidance.

Can international students take online classes?

F-1 students may generally count only one online course toward the full-time enrollment requirement each semester.

Can an international student enroll part-time?

International students are generally required to maintain full-time enrollment. Limited exceptions may apply, so students should contact the Office of International Programs before reducing their course load.

How can I contact the Office of International Programs?

Call (773) 442-4796 or email international-programs@neiu.edu.

What academic programs are offered at El Centro?

Students may complete general education requirements at El Centro. Classes are offered during the day, evening and weekends. 

What student support services are available at El Centro?

El Centro provides academic advising, financial aid assistance, student success workshops, library and learning resources, computer labs, study spaces, counseling connections, and other student support services.

Where is El Centro located?

El Centro is located at 3390 North Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618, in the Avondale neighborhood.

What academic programs are offered at the Carruthers Center?

The Jacob H. Carruthers Center offers the following programs:

• Community Health, B.S.
• Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.
• Social Work, B.S.W.
• Social Work, M.S.W.
• Urban Community Studies, M.A.
• Urban Community Studies, Minor

Students may also complete general education requirements at the Carruthers Center.

What services does the Carruthers Center provide to students?

The Carruthers Center provides academic counseling, financial aid counseling, registration assistance, library services, computer labs and placement testing.

Where is the Carruthers Center located?

The Carruthers Center is located at 700 E. Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60653, in the Bronzeville neighborhood.