Costs and Funding

As of fall 2018, out-of-state tuition rates for U.S. students have been abolished. All U.S. law students will be assessed tuition at the in-state rate.

NIU College of Law Annual Tuition and Fees—Academic Year 2023–24

Full-time Domestic Rate for all U.S. Students
Instructional Charges (Base Tuition) $16,548.72
Institutional Charges (Fees) $6,603.84
Law Material Fee $400
Tuition/Fees Combined $23,552.56
Full-time International Rate for all Non-domestic Students
Instructional Charges (Base Tuition) $33,097.44
Institutional Charges (Fees) $6,603.84
Law Material Fee $400
Tuition/Fees Combined $40,101.28

For an itemized listing of tuition and fees per credit hour and term, see the NIU Office of the Bursar site.

Estimated Cost of Attendance for Full-Time Students 
Living expenses $14,100
Books and supplies $1,810
Travel $1,296
Miscellaneous/personal expenses $3,442
Cost of Attendance Combined $20,648

Cost of Attendance (COA), also referred to as a student budget, is an estimate of the average educationally-related costs a student may incur during their period of enrollment (semester or year). COA includes approximate tuition and fee costs, as well as allowances for the cost of books and supplies, transportation, food, housing, and personal expenses. The total COA represents the maximum amount of financial aid a student may receive during that period of enrollment, including student loans.

The expenses listed are estimates and may vary from student to student. For further information on your cost of attendance budget, see the NIU Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

Budgeting Tips and Notes

  • Tuition and fees are subject to change.
  • A $75 graduation fee is charged in your last semester of law school.
  • You should try to save at least six to eight months of your current salary for living expenses. Those savings should get you through at least the first month of each semester while you wait for your student loan refund. Refer to the Office of the Bursar's page on refund policies for additional information.

Residency Requirements

Documentation and instructions on residency are available at the Office of Registration and Records.


Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources

Though NIU Law's tuition is low by law school standards, many law school students apply for loans to help finance their educational expenses. Northern Illinois University provides a range of financial assistance for law students in the form of loans, tuition waivers and scholarships.

All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships and tuition waivers. Students awarded scholarships will be notified of the award in their acceptance letter.

The NIU Law Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, in coordination with the NIU Student Financial Aid Office, offers assistance to all law students with processing applications for state and federal loans, work-study programs, scholarship grants and other forms of financial aid. Applicants are encouraged to investigate all sources well in advance of the start of classes.

If you have questions, please check out our financial aid and scholarships FAQ or contact us.

Refunds and Withdrawal

Learn more about refunds and withdrawal policies for the College of Law.