NIU-Rockford opened its doors in fall 1995 as a response to a long-felt need for increased access and high quality educational services, not only to Rockford citizens, but to residents throughout the stateline area. Courses in programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees are conveniently offered at night and on Saturdays to accommodate working adults. The center also offers non-credit business and skill-development seminars and workshops. In addition, the School of Nursing offers courses for the R.N. in cooperation with Rock Valley Community College.
NIU-Naperville is located at 1120 E. Diehl Road. The 113,000-square-foot, $20 million facility includes 12 classrooms, two computer labs and a 4,500-square-foot multi-purpose area suitable for hosting small conferences and other events.
NIU-Hoffman Estates opened for classes in the fall 1992 to provide quality, affordable education, primarily for place-bound students, at a convenient location. NIU had offered courses in the north/northwest suburban area for over twenty-five years, and the Hoffman Estates campus allowed the university to consolidate nearly 200 courses offered at twenty-one different sites in the suburban area. The 46,000 square foot center now serves more than 4,000 students a year, offering more than eighty classes per semester. Most classes are offered on evenings and Saturdays. During the day, the center serves as a training and conference facility.
Affiliations with a variety of health care agencies in northern Illinois allow nursing students a broader range of location choices and experiences than would be possible with a single location .