Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1867, it began as a teacher training institution and has evolved into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The main campus is situated in the North Park neighborhood, with additional locations in Avondale, Bronzeville, and Grayslake. Northeastern Illinois University serves a diverse student population and is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Academic programs are offered through colleges of arts and sciences, business and technology, education, and graduate studies, attracting students interested in urban education, public service, liberal arts, and professional fields.

Northeastern Illinois University was founded in 1867 in Blue Island, Illinois, as Cook County Normal School, the first teacher training institution in Cook County. Established to prepare educators for the region’s growing public school system, the institution later became Chicago Normal School and then Chicago Teachers College. In 1949, the college split into two branches, with the north branch eventually evolving into Northeastern Illinois University. The campus moved to North Park in Chicago in 1961. In 1967, it became Northeastern Illinois State College, and in 1971 it was granted university status and renamed Northeastern Illinois University. Over time, the university expanded its academic offerings beyond teacher education and established centers such as the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies and El Centro. Today, Northeastern Illinois University continues to serve Chicago with comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs.