Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a public university founded in 1867 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It holds designations as both a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and draws one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse student populations in the Midwest, with students speaking more than 40 languages.
NEIU places a strong emphasis on affordability and access. It ranks first among public universities in Illinois for affordability based on out-of-pocket costs, and 97% of its students receive some form of financial assistance. The university maintains an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, supporting a hands-on learning environment designed to prepare graduates for careers and long-term success.
Faculty and staff at NEIU work across undergraduate and graduate academic programs with a stated mission centred on expanding access and advancing opportunity for students from all backgrounds. The institution's work is grounded in Chicago's broader community, reflecting more than 150 years of public higher education in the region.