NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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Updates for High School Partners
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Greetings,
As we move deeper into spring, it’s an exciting time for future Huskies and for all of you who play such an important role in guiding them. At NIU, we’re continuing to build momentum with programs and recognitions that expand access, strengthen support and help students see a clear path to success.
This year, we’re proud to celebrate a major milestone with Rockford Promise, which recently awarded its 1,000th scholarship. The continued growth of Rockford Promise at NIU reflects the power of partnership in removing financial barriers and opening doors for students. At the same time, NIU has once again been recognized as a Military Friendly® School — affirming our commitment to serving those who have served.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming admitted students and their families to campus this April. Our Admitted Student Days on April 11, April 16 (virtual) and April 25, along with Bienvenido a NIU on April 18, are designed to help students explore opportunities, connect with our community and truly experience what makes NIU feel like home.
As always, we encourage you to connect with us. Whether you have questions about admissions, financial aid or next steps for admitted students, our team is ready to partner with you to ensure your students are prepared and excited to join our Huskie pack.
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Thank you for all you do to support your students' future.
Go Huskies!
Sol Jensen
Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications
Northern Illinois University
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Please share with your students: NIU FAFSA priority deadline is April 25
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We're asking for your help reaching students who plan to attend NIU in fall 2026. A federal system update on Sunday, April 26 will prevent NIU and other institutions from loading FAFSA records processed on or after that date until a software fix is available. Students who have not yet completed their 2026-27 FAFSA should do so by Saturday, April 25 at studentaid.gov to avoid delays in receiving their financial aid offer, which could otherwise be pushed to July. Please encourage your students to act now. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office is available at finaid@niu.edu or 815-753-1395 if you or your students have questions.
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We continue to celebrate the growing impact of the Rockford Promise at NIU program, which is opening doors for more Rockford students to earn a college degree tuition-free.
Interest remains strong, with 280 students applying to NIU this year as part of a record 601 total applications — evidence of continued college-going momentum in the region. Since launching in 2021, the Rockford Promise at NIU has earned national recognition for innovation and impact, helping boost enrollment, improve student success outcomes and expand access.
This means more students have a clear, affordable pathway to NIU backed by strong academic support, mentorship and a community-wide commitment to their success.
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"The support has lowered the economic burden of pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more on my classes, leadership roles and internships without the constant stress of financial concerns.”
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— Akili Jones, a Rockford Promise scholarship recipient majoring in psychology.
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Supporting our military families
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NIU continues to be recognized for its strong support of military-connected students, earning the Military Friendly® School (Silver designation) for large public schools for 2026-27.
These honors reflect NIU’s ongoing commitment to serving veterans, active-duty service members and their families through comprehensive support services, flexible academic pathways and strong career outcomes. Led by Military and Veteran Services, the university provides one-on-one benefits counseling, peer support and connections to campus and community resources.
NIU remains a reliable option for military-affiliated students seeking a welcoming campus, dedicated support network and programs designed to help them succeed from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
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The NIU School of Music is proud to present the 2026 World Music Festival, a five-day immersive journey through the sounds, traditions and contemporary innovations of global music. Running from April 7 through April 11, the festival will transform the NIU campus into a vibrant cultural crossroads, featuring traditional masterworks alongside world-premiere compositions.
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In honor of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Asian American Resource Center at NIU, "Celebrating 20 Years: The Asian American Resource Center's Legacy in Motion," through April 10 at the Pick Museum of Anthropology explores how the AARC was established and has transformed over the years. From its original location in Jacobs House to its current home on Wirtz Drive, the AARC continuously strives to improve student experiences through its focus on programs that support academic success, promote cultural education, foster leadership and build community.
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Earth Month activities, including the third annual DeKalb County Earth Fest on April 11, will bring together students, faculty, staff and the community for a range of events focused on environmental awareness and action.
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Your students will get a firsthand look at what engineering is all about at NIU’s Senior Design Showcase. They can explore over 50 real-world projects created by graduating students, chat with teams about how they brought their ideas to life and connect with industry professionals to learn about future career paths. Please encourage them to join us Friday, May 1 at the NIU Convocation Center.
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With first-year student resources, we’ll meet your students wherever they’re at on their educational journeys and provide personal attention, flexibility and support tailored to their unique needs.
Do you know other high school partners who would like to receive this information? Share our subscription form.
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Northern Illinois University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Williston Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446
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Northern Illinois University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Williston Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446
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