Northern Illinois University Demographics & Diversity Overview

55%
Minority Students
53%
Female Students
1%
International
27
States Represented

Race & Ethnicity

Northern Illinois University has a diverse student body with 55% students of color and 1% international students, creating a rich multicultural learning environment that celebrates students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White
44.2%(4,989)
Hispanic
24.1%(2,715)
African American
20.9%(2,360)
Asian
6.7%(752)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0.3%(30)
Pacific Islander
0.1%(9)
Two or More Races
3.2%(359)
Unknown
0.5%(62)

Diversity Highlights

Students of Color55%
Total Enrollment15,649
International Students1%

Cultural Engagement

Northern Illinois University offers numerous cultural organizations, diversity programs, and multicultural events that celebrate the rich backgrounds of our student community.

Gender Distribution

Northern Illinois University has a gender distribution of 53% female students and 47% male students.

Overall Gender Distribution

Men
47.3%(5,405)
Women
52.7%(6,024)

Gender Statistics

Men5,405

35% of total enrollment

Women6,024

38% of total enrollment

Age Distribution

Northern Illinois University serves a diverse student population across multiple age demographics. The university enrolls 0% traditional college-age students (18-21 years old) and 0% non-traditional students aged 25 and older.

Age Diversity Insights

0%

Traditional Age (18-21)

0%

Non-Traditional (25+)

27%

Graduate Students

Geographic Diversity

Northern Illinois University attracts students from across the United States and internationally, with 1% international students contributing to a globally diverse campus community. The student body includes 96% in-state residents, 3% out-of-state students, and 1% international students, creating rich cross-cultural learning opportunities.

Geographic Origin

In-State
95.8%(2,277)
Out-of-State
2.9%(69)
International
1.3%(31)

Regional Representation

In-State2,277

96% of student body

Out-of-State69

3% of student body

International31

1% of student body

States Represented

27 states are represented on campus.

Diversity Metrics

Ethnic Diversity

55%

Students of Color

Gender Balance

53%

Female Students

Global Reach

1%

International

Age Diversity

0%

Non-Traditional Age