The United States continues to attract students from around the world because of its diverse higher-education system, wide range of academic programs and opportunities for international exposure. Whether you are planning a bachelor’s degree, master’s program or another form of higher education, the USA offers multiple pathways to explore.
Why Choose the USA for Higher Education?
Choosing where to study abroad is an important decision. The right destination depends on your academic interests, career plans, financial situation, preferred location and long-term goals.
The U.S. education system provides considerable choice. Students can explore public and private universities, community colleges and different types of undergraduate and graduate programs. EducationUSA recommends that students focus on finding an institution that matches their individual academic, financial and personal priorities rather than simply choosing a university based on reputation.
Why Study at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)?
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) offers an affordable public university experience with a diverse student community, personalised faculty attention and a wide range of academic programs. Located in Chicago, students can benefit from studying in a major U.S. city with a diverse community and strong economy.
KEY FEATURES
- An affordable public university with a very diverse student body and staff.
- Many great academic programs, including an AACSB & ABET accredited College of Business & Technology
- 11:1 student to faculty ratio, so you get personalized attention from world-class faculty
- Free airport pickup, the first of many great support services!
- Ranked No. 1 in Illinois, 9th in the USA, for the “student experience” (the only ranking that is from a student point of view), Wall Street Journal 2025.
- Located in Chicago, the USA’s 3rd largest city with a diversified strong economy & history of welcoming people from around the world
ALL NEIU ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
- You can see all of NEIU’s programs here: https://customviewbook.neiu.edu/wizard
- You can also find them here: https://www.neiu.edu/academics/programs
APPLICATION DEADLINES
- July 15th for Fall Semester (classes start late August). = beginning of the academic year
- November 1st for Spring Semester (classes start mid-January)
- April 1st for Summer Session (classes start mid-May)
ENGLISH LANGUGE REQUIREMENT
If the language of instruction in your home country is not English, you must show proof of your English abilities by taking one of the following English tests and then have the testing company submit your result directly to NEIU:
Undergraduate Admission scores:
• TOEFL: PBT 500 CBT 173 iBT 61
• IELTS: Composite 6.0
• PTE: 44
• Duolingo: 105
• Cambridge B2 First (FCE) test 170+ or Grade B (175+)
Graduate Admission scores:
• TOEFL: PBT 550 iBT 79
• IELTS: Composite 6.5
• PTE: 53
• Duolingo: 120
• Cambridge B2 First 180
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATE (BACHELOR’S) STUDENTS
New Freshman and Transfer students who have earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale will automatically be awarded a $1,000 Merit Scholarship for their first year. Students with a GPA of 3.5 will be awarded $2,000.
Good students are also strongly encouraged to join the Honor’s Program through which they can be awarded additional Merit scholarships in subsequent semesters. Learn more about the HONOR’S PROGRAM here: https://www.neiu.edu/academics/our-centers-and-programs/honors-program
There are also several small specialty scholarships that a student can get through the NEIU Foundation or their academic department.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRADUATE (MASTER’S) STUDENTS
International graduate students are eligible to apply for merit scholarships + graduate assistantships.
Grad. assistantships can be 33%, 66% or 100% tuition + you can work on campus for pay for up to 20 hr./wk. They are competitive – you need a Grade Point Average of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale. Typically these are only awarded after you have been enrolled at NEIU for 1 semester. Learn more here: https://www.neiu.edu/academics/college-of-graduate-studies-and-research/financing-your-graduate-education.
Merit scholarships are awarded by departments. They typically cover the tuition for 1 3-credit class/semester. You must have earned a 4.0 in the previous semester.
There are also several small specialty scholarships that a student can get through the NEIU Foundation or their academic department.
ABOUT CHICAGO
Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the US. It is very diverse with many things to do. 55 million tourists visit each year. Chicago has recently been listed as the best city in the US for international students and the 2nd best city in the whole world four tourism! See more here:
- https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/chicago-is-officially-the-2nd-best-city-in-the-world-071222
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Asw4NOHXBDQ
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