1. Undergraduate Admissions
  2. Choose Your Path
  3. Reentering Student

Apply to NIU as a Reentering (Returning) Student

Ready to come back to NIU?

The path depends on how long you've been away and your academic standing when you left. Returning to NIU shows determination and commitment to your education. Many students successfully restart their academic journey and go on to graduate. We're here to help you succeed.

Which Path is Right for You? 

Been away more than one year? You'll need to apply for readmission regardless of your previous academic standing. Refer to our undergraduate catalog for official readmission policies/procedures. 

Here's a simple guide to help you understand your options.

Option 1: Academic Recovery (Fresh Start GPA)

Best for: Students who have been away 2+ years and want a clean slate

What it means:

  • You get a brand new GPA that only counts courses taken after you return
  • Your old NIU courses still count toward graduation requirements
  • You keep all the credits you earned before
Who qualifies:
  • Students away for 2+ years (four fall/spring semesters, not counting summers)
  • Available if you left in good standing or on probation by request to your academic advisor; automatically applied otherwise
Important details:
  • You can only use Academic Recovery once in your undergraduate career
  • If you left on probation or were dismissed, you return on final academic probation and must earn at least a 2.00 GPA your first semester back or face dismissal again
  • You must earn credit for at least one course in your major to establish a major GPA of 2.00 or higher to graduate
  • Depending on your reason for leaving NIU, there may be financial aid implications related to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Please visit our Financial Aid website for more information
  • You'll work with an advisor to create a success plan

Option 2: Direct Return (No Enrollment Elsewhere Before Returning to NIU)

Best for: Students who left in good standing or on academic probation and haven't attended other schools

What you need to do:

  • Complete an application for readmission
  • If you were on academic probation when you left, you'll return on academic probation
Your academic standing:
  • Your previous NIU GPA continues where it left off
  • All previous coursework remains on your record

Option 3: Direct Return (Enrolled Elsewhere Before Returning to NIU)

Best for: Students who attended other colleges since leaving NIU

What you need to do:

  • Complete an application for readmission
  • Send official transcripts from every college you attended since leaving NIU
  • You must have at least a C average in all work taken elsewhere
  • You must be in good standing at your most recent school
Your academic standing:
  • Your NIU GPA continues where it left off
  • Transfer credits will be evaluated and added to your record
  • If you left NIU on probation, you'll return on probation

Option 4: Community College Graduate Return (Good Standing or Probation)

Best for: Former NIU students who earned an associate degree from a public community college after leaving and left NIU in good standing or on probation

Special benefits:

  • You get the same benefits as new transfer students from community colleges
  • You're eligible for Academic Recovery (fresh start GPA) regardless of how long you've been away
  • This combines the advantages of transfer student status with GPA renewal
Requirements:
  • You must have left NIU in good standing or on probation
  • You must have been away at least one semester
  • Your associate degree must be baccalaureate-oriented or an approved A.A.T. degree from a public community college

Option 5: Community College Graduate Return (After Academic Dismissal)

Best for: Former NIU students who were dismissed for academic reasons and and completed an associate degree from a public community college

Special benefits:  

  • You get the same benefits as new transfer students from community colleges
  • You're eligible for Academic Recovery (fresh start GPA) regardless of how long you've been away
  • This combines the advantages of transfer student status with GPA renewal 

What you need to do:

  • Complete an application for readmission
  • Send transcripts from any schools attended since leaving NIU, including official transcripts showing completion of your associate degree
Requirements:
  • You must have been away at least one semester
  • Your associate degree must be baccalaureate-oriented or an approved A.A.T. degree from a public community college
  • Approval is not guaranteed

Option 6: Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal

Best for: Students who were dismissed for academic reasons and have been away at least one semester

What you need to do:

  • Submit an application for readmission
  • Complete the Reinstatement Review Questionnaire that we will send to you via email once you reapply
  • Send transcripts from any schools attended since leaving NIU
Your return status:
  • You'll return on final academic probation
  • You must achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA by the end of your first semester back or face dismissal again
  • Your academic college (not general admissions) reviews your petition
  • Approval is not guaranteed

Learn more about returning to your college after academic dismissal

Next Steps

Not sure which option applies to you?

One of our reenrollment advisors can review your specific situation and help you understand your path back to NIU.

Connect with a reenrollment advisor

Ready to apply?

Gather any required documents and start your free online application.

Apply Now

Questions about academic planning?

Once you're readmitted, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to plan your return and create a success strategy.

Learn more about advising

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still fit into the university environment after taking time away?

Everyone is welcome at NIU, and our students, faculty and staff value unique perspectives. Our community includes people of various ages, backgrounds and life experiences. More than half of our undergraduates are the first in their family to go to a four-year university. So, while it’s normal to feel unsure about fitting in on campus, you’ll likely have more in common with other students than you might expect.

What is the cost of attending? What financial assistance is available?

Your cost of attendance depends on how many credit hours you take and other factors. Use the planning and cost estimator for a personalized estimate.

As a returning student, you may be eligible for scholarships and/or other financial aid. Read an introduction to financial aid to get started. You can also ask your academic department if they offer any scholarships for returning students.

Depending on your reason for leaving NIU, there are other financial aid implications that might apply. Please visit our financial aid website for more information.

If my grades were not the best when I last attended, what can I do to address this?

You may be eligible for academic recovery, which allows your GPA to be based solely on coursework you complete after you reenroll. Program exceptions may apply (for example, Nursing). Contact your academic college for program-specific requirements.

If you were academically dismissed from NIU, you’ll need to complete some additional steps to be reinstated.

View official reinstatement and academic recovery policies in the undergraduate catalog. Contact a reenrollment advisor for more information.