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Northern Illinois a first tier institution on the rise

September 14, 2012

Northern Illinois University has been named to the list of Best National Universities as a first tier institution, ranked No. 189 by U.S. News and World Report. Last year, NIU was ranked 194 in this same category.

US News Best Colleges Engineering Programs“This is very good news,” said Raymond Alden, executive vice president and provost. “It affirms the excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and artistry we are known for at NIU.”

Northern Illinois University offers 63 undergraduate, 78 graduate and 20 Ph.D. programs in seven colleges. NIU’s academic experience is enriched by opportunities for research, themed learning communities, internships and on-campus programs and activities that include Greek life and the University Honors Program.

The university improved upon its rating as a Top Public School, moving from 111 last year to 108 this time around. NIU garnered recognition as a Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, ranking No. 69 in the nation, as well as a Best Undergraduate Business Program with a 166 ranking.

U.S. News ranks more than 1,500 of the country’s four year colleges and universities based on the categories of higher education institutions developed in 2010 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

High school counselors are becoming more keenly aware of the quality of education and learning environment NIU delivers to its students, which is reflected in the significant 48 point improvement in high school counselor rankings to 183.

NIU is experiencing a vibrant rebirth with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art residential complex in addition to a multi-million dollar renovation of existing facilities, a new intramural athletic field complex and new, state-of-the-art classrooms, lecture halls and computer labs that dramatically improve student life.

Prospective students and their families are invited to NIU’s open house, Monday, Oct. 8.

NIU’s director of undergraduate admissions Kimberley Buster-Williams said, “The open house is a perfect opportunity to explore not only what’s new at NIU, but also the world of opportunity that awaits students in terms of academic and social development.”