I've been here for over a year now and love my classes and the teachers but my experiences with the financial aid department have been a complete and utter nightmare so much to the point where I have to give the school 1 star. I might add that I'm supposedly on a full ride scholarship that's supposed to cover even my books (which it hasn't), and I understand that the school is having financial issues itself, but from how things are handled they almost come off as arbitrary in all honestly. School is already hard, the aid department shouldn't make things 10x harder. read more

The school's website doesn't do a good job explaining the real rating of the university. Diversity isn't really its primary strength. It's true NEIU has students from all over the world, with English as a second (or third) language, going to college at night and weekends while working full-time jobs. They are usually the first generation in the family to go to college. Most college students around the country couldn't do what these students do. Some of the professors have thick accents which may make it seem like they are sub-par, but their actual knowledge and dedication to teaching make up for it. I think the Board is trying to modernize the campus but it takes a lot of money and low tuition is another benefit. read more

This has to be the shittiest day camp, posing as a university, teaching at the grade school level. Go in debt before you 'save' money going here. At least your degree will be valued. read more

People Under Estimate NEIU. As a SomeOne who has been to many schools i like NEIU the most. All my professors so far have been genuinely nice and helpful with anything and everything. One of my favorite things is the diversity. All types of people thats for sure. Which makes it more interesting. And Neiu i think is kind of a less social school but only if you don't get out there because neiu also provides A LOT! of Acitivies. Work out sessions Boxing all this Stuff For free. And much more. so you Can easily get out there make friends. The Only Reason Someone wouldnt like NEIU is if they didnt even give it a chance and started complaining Day 1 about hating school. read more

B.A. History 1994 M.A. History 1996 Small classrooms. High ratio of teaching Ph.D.s to students. Nice location. Very affordable. Getting rid of Div I athletics was the WORST IDEA ever at that school. Still, the education and environment is very very good. A tad too liberal, even for a university. read more

This school does not deserve even one star. It's too generous. For the past four years I've had the most complications with the financial aid office. The independent appeal process was excruciatingly painful because they refused to help then told me about another students circumstances and why I should do what they did otherwise they can't help. It took a year to get any financial assistance. I had to transfer to community college which was kind enough to waive my official transcripts for the time being. When I asked to make a payment plan for my remaining balance they told me no I must pay the entire $5,000 at once to receive my official transcripts. While another staff member insisted that I create a payment plan to have them released. The procedures are inconsistent and biased. The amount of help you get depends on the staff you meet with for the day or else they're discriminatory or completely unwilling to provide any assistance. I've made large payments on my account with records of my receipts and they sent my debt to collections anyways without notice, then made student payment inaccessible on my student account. I can't even review my electronic receipts anymore. read more

Worst University ever. If you're trying to major in computer science, save your money and go elsewhere, even if you have to pay more. Many students are taking programming 1 for the third or fourth time, let that sink in. read more

I am proud to say that I am a NEIU graduate. This school is terrific, the professors at NEIU are wonderful. I can truly say that some of the professors at this school have changed my life for the better. class are small and offer students a chance to actually learn and know their professors. NEIU also teaches everyone that attends the importance of unity and cultural acceptance. I have made some friendships here that will last a life time. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to go here. Going to this school has opened up many doors for me. read more

I have been going to NEIU for two years now. As a somewhat older student pursuing my bachelor's (31 years old) I am never the oldest in the class by a few decades. Great mix of young and old, and very diverse. There are times I want to complain about it's lack of resources, but then I remember how little tuition costs are, and I feel MUCH better. I love this school, really. My professors are very committed to the success of the students, and I find because of the diversity, I often learn as much from my classmates as I do from the instructor. read more

I have never had so hard of a time trying to have a college take my money. I really want to go to college here. I pay out of pocket and live on my own, so the price was right. I was willing to travel 1-2 hours each way every day after work. They have put me through so many circles. For months they have had me on the back burner, dragging me along, which left me barely any classes to choose from. I just got off the phone with them transferring me back and forth telling me they might have misspelled my name and I need to come in to finish registering. Coming in to register means I need to ask to leave early from work, which means I most likely cannot, which then means I can't go to school. Dealing with NEIU makes me want to cry. read more

I love the social work program here and the professors are all very educated and knowledgeable and have graduated from top social work programs in Chicago ! Had many opportunities here to gain leadership experiences , research , and build a community ! read more

Incredible 4-year university experience within the city. Various academic programs tailored around the student experience that is on par with other local universities. Faculty and staff are firm believers in the mission of the University and ensuring they are preparing undergraduate and graduate students for the professional world. Tuition is the lowest in the area. NEIU was recently recognized in two different US News and World Report rankings of 4-year schools, coming out as the most diverse in the Midwest and graduated students with the least amount of debt (financial investment outcome). University website is terrible but reportedly under a massive reconstruction, so best bet for inquiries is to visit during their various Open House events and meet with faculty and staff in person. read more

Just enrolling itself has been a nightmare. Since MAY I've been trying to transfer into this school. I haven't even started yet and here are the problems I've already had: 1. Spoke to an advisor in May who told me to enroll in 3 classes, then the "next 2" after I get my associates degree. At the beginning of August, I was told by another advisor I had to enroll in a whole OTHER class before I could take the "next 2". The "other" class I COULD of enrolled IN MAY before all the seat were full. I waited 2 months on nothing. Nice. 2. Because I was pressed for time, since they waited 3 weeks before classes started to tell me that, I had to work quickly with the advising head and even though I could enroll in other classes, it's a small school and classes fill up fast. 3. I'm living on campus and while there are ONLY TWO housing options of course these incompetent people still screwed it up. 4. So this was my first time taking out a loan and I need the direct loans then a parent plus loan. I applied for the direct loans in person easy and my mom and I applied for the parent plus loan online at the end of July. And OF COURSE, these people wait to tell me TWO WEEKS before class start (AND after I called them at that) that I need to turn in a paper application in person for the parent plus loan. NO WHERE WAS THAT EVER STATED OR TOLD TO ME. It is currently the 13th of August. Classes start the 27th. I'm not mad about their rules I'm just mad at how and when they are communicated to me. If I was told the RIGHT information from the get go, I was of easily complied because I started early so I wouldn't have to rush last minute and here I am. I'm sure they are going to hit me with alot more mess as I enroll and scramble to get this all sorted out. I'll most likely be writing another review with MORE incompetency but until then, time to stress. read more

I am a non-traditional student, and I was thankful to find that there are quite a few other adult students at this school. It is an incredibly friendly and diverse campus community. read more

I'm a teacher here, and from what I see, NEIU is a great school for certain types of students. It is especially helpful for students who want to take classes, but need time to decide what program or large University is right for them, but it is more challenging than a community or city college. Many students transfer to UIC or Northwestern, but many also graduate and go on to good careers. read more

The worst nightmare of my life. The financial aid office staffs made me not to come back here. I don't want to mention their names (so they don't get fired) but it was a guy and a woman. They were both helpless except wasted my time sending me back and forth for something that could have taken care of easily. They all seem very incompetent, rude, helpless and unknowledgeable of what they are doing. I don't wish anybody to go here and regret after all. Oh..If you are enrolled in their course(s), you will pay them either 10% or full price for classes that you are withdrawing. There is no way you are leaving with full REFUND. One word SCAMMERS. read more

I think this is a hidden gem. It is a great education at an affordable price, in an easily accessible area with pay and free parking.

I graduated from this University and like all bureaucracies, this one isn't any different,worse or better. It has its problems, it didnt' offer enough classes, not all the teachers were great, but at least, in my department, I did have teachers that inspired me and that I absolutely admire and love. I won't miss the politics but I will miss those classes with those teachers that made learning inspirational. read more

Just graduated with a BA in Political Science and Philosophy. I loved it there, it feels like home to me.

NEIU has been a pleasant surprise! I am an anthropology major, almost in my senior year. I've found the classes to be engaging and the teachers to be very good at...well...teaching. I've heard complaints about how the school is too serious, there aren't enough parties, etc. This wouldn't be a complaint for me. If you want to attend a serious school, NEIU is for you. The only complaint I'd have is that dealing with certain parts of the school administration has been less than pleasant. Administrators have forgotten to call or email me back and trying to get things sorted out if there has been an issue has been made more difficult by these incompetencies. Besides that, I've found my time at NEIU to be very pleasant and well worth the money. read more

I graduated from NEIU back in December of 2002. My instructors were amazing and highly educated in their field. I loved it so much, that I will be starting my Master's program there in August. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants a higher education with a lower cost. It is easy to get to, and a comfortable atmosphere for anyone, whether fresh out of high school, or returning after children! read more

Went in to the fitness center with my two 6 year old sons this past Monday. I was speaking with a tall male employee about activities that my children could partake of at the facility if I decided to join. All of a sudden a female employee interrupted him to correct him about the information he was sharing with me. She seemed not to be in a good mood, and began to tell me that the gym was not for kids in a very temperamental manner. She was so harsh that when we left out the building my 6 year old said I don't think she liked us Dad. With all the negative energy in the air socially these days Im not sure if she didn't like us, or if she was just having a bad day. Nonetheless, this employee needs to learn better customer service. Older Asian female who wore glasses, sorry didn't get her name, should understand that as a stay home father I don't need anymore stress in my life and I drove all the way there just to get information and not feel like I was breaking into a bank!!! read more

Very small. Always access to computer labs and parking. It is a great school with small class sizes. Although a public school the atmosphere is that of a private school. read more

This university was ok, until my professors didn't believe me when I told them I had a learning disability, I brought a letter from the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, the professors still didn't take it. I had no choice than to take two incompletes. I missed a few classes. why? because I felt intimidated by these professors and it made me not want to go to class. :( other than the Universities cleanliness its perfect, some staff members are rude, their not helpful enough when it comes to education. the financial aid department I wrote an appeals letter for my loan, was honest as I was taught to be, and I was still denied was not given a reason. I've been at NEIU for two semesters, and I'm thinking of transferring. to another university, I chose this university because I live 5 minutes away, I can walk there. read more

Graduated from here! Received a great job, attending a great graduate school and I'm really glad I was able to do all this because of northeastern! It is very cost effective, and some of the best teachers around. You definitely get the bang for your buck! I'd recommend this school anytime!! read more

I had a friend who went here and she constantly complained about this school. Frequently cancelled classes and bad class timings were two frequent complaints. Because of these problems, she actually graduated a year later than she had planned! Plan carefully before choosing this school! read more

I made a career change and went to NEIU to get my second B.A. in the business school. I agree with what's been said in the previous reviews: Great Stuff: The diversity of students is something I never experienced before. Class sizes are small and most of the professors seem interested in being there. Good Stuff: They have many part-time professors who also work outside of the school - gives you first hand perspective of what's happening "out there" in your field of study. But it also means you'll probably end up with a terrible instructor or two who decided after the second week that this wasn't for them and they're more anxious to get the semester over with than you are. The fitness center is clean, with a pool, basketball and raquetball courts, inside running track, weights, etc. Minor point off for being on the wrong end of campus. Parking is adequate (fee for different 'levels'). Any commuter school is going to have difficulty with this issue - but it's better than Harper College. The garage helps, too. Okay Stuff: The computer labs always filled up with little enforcement of students actually working and students just filling time between classes. The library is out-dated with few (if any) private or group study rooms. In general, the facilities are a bit dated. The school's reputation. It's not DePaul. It's not University of Chicago. It's not Northwestern. NEIU sponsors job fairs and such, but I found that many employers do not come to NEIU - they save that stuff of the larger well-known universities. Hey, I passed the CPA exam on an NEIU accounting degree (and outside prep course). Poor Stuff: The location is not so hot. It's not right off the expressway, nor is it right off a train line (it's several blocks from the end of the Brown Line). It's a commuter school that can be difficult to get to. And it's in a residential neighborhood with a cemetary on one side - there's no fast food places, or coffee shops, or diners. I think this contributes more to the lack of sense of community. And the cafeteria needs some work. Bottom Line: If you're traditional college age and have the means and opportunity to go somewhere and live on campus and such - DO IT! (I did for my first degree.) If you don't have that opportunity, NEIU is a great option. read more

I needed accounting credits to sit for the CPA so I took them here. The only good thing is about this school is cost. Classes are cheap, so if you need a degree for the cheapest price, this would be your best bet. If you have options, take community college classes elsewhere and take the $ you save there for the first two years to transfer to a more accredited university. Everything is a mess at this school. First, school is almost completely shut down on the weekends. Limited hours on the weekend although the library had the most flexible hours on Saturday and Sunday. The campus has a full forced rent a cop situation going on. I'm not entirely sure why they have 15-20 cops patrolling on the weekends when the campus has minimal students occupying it during that time. Class selection is limited. Professors were not great, it seemed learning was best done by yourself. Their offices are a disaster. If you needed something done, you need to be proactive to ensure that the people in the offices are doing their jobs especially the financial aid office. The accounting department was inconsistent, the information that was updated on their website didn't reflect was representatives told you. read more

I graduated from this University in 2001, I personally can say that "it's OK" (at least back when I went. It has its its pros and cons, I graduated with a Criminal Justice bachelor's and minored in spanish. The general education classes were OK, but as soon as I declared my major and talked more with the department and professors in CRJU, it was inspiring. I guess in my opinion, the biggest con was that there were no dorms. Being from a big family, living in a small house, I wished that there was. Took advantage of the library and stayed there as long as I could, good thing they have a computer lab in there. Thanks NEIU read more

This is the only university in Chicago (and perhaps all of Illinois) that will charge undocumented students resident tuition fees versus international student tuition fees (that's a BIG $$$ difference for the student). That exemplifies the heart of this school. During my time there I saw most of the staff members, from cleaning crew to professors, work hard each day and dedicate themselves to the success of the students. I understand some people have a problem with one or two people in the financial aid office, etc. but that is not the heart of this school. Most of my experience was with the Biology department and, even with the lack of budget and other problems the past few years, their commitment to guiding students shines through. The former students of the professor I am doing research with have all gone on to med school or competitive biology graduate programs. If you're looking for an affordable and supportive pre-med school or to complete some science classes for a master's program, this is it. You will be challenged and you will feel elevated. I looooove the diversity of the student body, too. Seems like everyone from around the world is represented. read more

Great school. But, NEIU please get a new operator for the book store. Beck's is horribly overpriced and the customer service is abysmal. I know a couple of my professors have had major problems just getting them to order the correct books for class. Please take note and take action. read more

Well clearly the person who gave this school 1 star has had a horrible experience.. but not me. I graduated from Northeaster with my B.A. in English and Spanish Literature. I was also an Education major for a little bit until I realized that Northeaster was not equipped to handle all the education majors. Maybe it is better now since I graduated in 2003. The English dept. tends to be a bit snooty but their English folk and mostly dorky, so just let them think it: they are still dorky. I could get into one of the professors who I did not LIKE AT ALL but this is about the school as whole. Most of my English professors were great and had office hours that were pretty good. I was working two jobs while going to school so my time was precious. Libretti was one of my first professors there and he was cool, he would talk to me about my essays and help me make them better etc. With one exception all my English professors were great. I could email them with questions and they would get back to me right away. The Languages or spanish lit. department was awesome. I truly love all those professors. They were mainly women from my experience and very inspirational. I am a native speaker of Spanish so I was looking more towards the literature than the learning of the language. These professors were great, returning papers after a week, never longer than that. Also they were flexible enough for those who had kids and other jobs. Not flexible in the way to let you slack off, but flexible enough to work out a schedule with you ahead of time. If you do not drive then this campus is very difficult to get to. And it kinda sucks that if you are just visiting, or picking up a paper there is no parking for this type of thing. You have to pay as a visitor and that blows. Only problem I had was with one of the counselors who told me I was not prepared to take a class I really wanted to take. He was really negative, so I took the class and got a B so I don't know what his deal was. It is cheap and that was mostly my incentive for going there since I transferred from Columbia. It was also nice to see that most students at NEIU took their classes serious (except for a few -I just wanna meet girls/boys- people). Going to Columbia was crazy and most of the students were not sober, so it was a nice change. Make sure you know what you want to study before you apply here, make sure to look into that department or college since some of them may be better than others. Like I said the Education College was overwhelmed with all its students and they only had 2 advisors fro the entire college of ed. read more

This school has been getting a lot of hate lately for a multitude of reasons. Some of them I agree with, most of them I don't. This is a good, no-frills, liberal arts school, with very reasonable rates. Take advantage of NEIU while it's still affordable. read more

I attended NEIU for a B.A. in Psychology and took courses part time for about 4 years. I don't understand where the negativity is coming from because I had nothing but good experiences here. I have taken courses throughout departments and enjoyed every single one. I also didn't have any issues with admissions, financial aid, or anything else administrative. The main reason for the 5 star review however, is the instructors. I cannot speak about the other departments as much (although every instructor I had was great), but the Psychology department was full of highly qualified instructors. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of my classes (even when they made me want to pull my hair out), and feel I have grown so much and learned invaluable skills. These instructors do not just see you as a number in a vast sea of students. They truly encourage and support students to be the best version of themselves and I am extremely grateful for my time here. I also felt support from other students as well, and I think a lot of that is due to the school environment. Acceptance and building up others is something that is strongly encouraged here. I am not someone who cries often, but I actually started to tear up last night while walking through the campus after my very last class concluded. This school is more than a place to receive an education, it is also a community. It felt like home when I was there and I am sad to be moving on to another school. If you are considering this school as an option, don't let bad reviews deter you before checking it out for yourself. read more

This university is ok I only went here a couple of times because of the concerts that I had to watch for my class at wright college. It is a nice place and clean read more

The school has been total chaos. Class schedules are very limited. If you're new to the school, you definitely will have to deal with lots of problems and frustration. Their computer/ registration system is so bad. The 300's level classes now have so much works which require your expertise from somewhere else, not from the classes because they don't teach you those, so neither their textbooks. The instructors brought in some materials that they acquired from their PhD programs to make them a part of students' exams, and of course to show off that they are smart because people used to rate them low. The professors don't know how and what to teach the students that would give them the basic knowledge and readiness for their careers. They forgot their time in schools for first BA, or BS. It's way too much works compared to the classes at other schools. Overall, it is the worst experience for me that I have to take more non-sense courses which I would not have to take at any other school. And work my bottom off to finish at a low rated school hence I signed up for it because it's closer to home; I surely regret that I did. read more

I'm a new transfer student and I'm noticing that their financial aid office are very slow and some express a nonchalant attitude when you are asking questions that concern you. Everyone is not out to collect a school check I'm just saying they need to get it together. read more

NEIU is an outstanding school, an outstanding institution of higher learning, and an outstanding opportunity to bring out your best efforts in spite of what others, what passes for normal, and what upsets other classmates There is nothing in the syllabus or the student handbook that says you have to do anything, that others have to do anything for you, and that anybody on campus has to cater to your every whim. Study the cliques, the dedicated students, the professors, and most of all yourself on a daily basis in addition to your assigned responsibilities. It is true; there are many student workers, student aides, and student fitness center employees who cannot be trusted any more than street criminals. Many of these staff appear to be there for the purpose of modeling their hairdos, and their clothes. They lie, they steal, and they treat others as if they were less than used chewing gum. There are also NEIU professors, and assorted staff members whom you will not agree with all of the time. Welcome to society. One of the greatest feelings on campus is the looks from other students which seem intended to convince me of being less intelligent. I often get the feeling that I do not belong at NEIU, and that I am cheating someone else out of some imaginary golden opportunity. In conclusion; NEIU is unlike any other responsibility I have encountered on any job, in the military, or in any volunteer position. The best part about NEIU is that as a student you are not paid, which means you have to enjoy what you are doing in order to dedicate quality time on and off campus to your responsibilities. I challenge anybody who claims that NEIU is not a good school, to confess their sins about their academic performance or to admit if they ever got into any trouble of any sort. I am proud to be a member of the Golden Eagles, and I dare someone to say something bad about my school. Capn Z Justice Studies read more

The people who work in the Financial Aid Department do not deserve 1 star, unfortunately there is not negative 10 star option. They have failed to submit my loan request and as a result I was unable to pay my tuition. I went there multiple times, told to wait until I saw again a red flag in the NEIU port. I was told it was too late for requesting a loan. They failed to submit my papers, failed to accept the loan offered and even the pell grants they have failed to accept. The grants were accepted only when I went there the 10th time to see what is going on. I am working full time and I had classes full time at night. I graduated last year, but because the tuition is not paid I cannot retrieve my diploma nor my transcript in order to apply for graduate school. I was told that someone made a mistake but there is nothing they can do, and that my only options are either to request a private loan from the bank or setting up a payment plan in order to avoid being send to collections. When I asked about the possibility of retrieving my transcripts, I was told just in a year when the payment plan ends or as soon as the tuition is paid in full. Worst people! I wish they were hold accountable for misconduct, but unfortunately they are not in the same category as most of us. read more

Dont waste your money or time. Complaints aren't heard. Classes changed at last minute and the student is left with the expense. There are some great Professors but let them fend for their own souls and pray they get away from this monster. When I noticed a class was coming up as a different time from the paper schedule book and the class verified by the advisement office at time of regristary I called the advisement office and was told they sent some email and always tell the students to check for updates. I never received an email and was never told to go to the NEIU Business website to look for changes. Plus, not to use the schedule books printed every semester. Why print, seriously are you that dumb you are going to say things like that? So when I asked what was to come of a fee I would be charged to change the class the reply was Eddie Murphy.."Wasn't me." Do not waste your money or time here. I have a lot more complaints but am stuck here for my final two semesters so I don't lose any transfers. Go save yourselves. read more