Health sciences, psychology, business administration rank as NIU’s top majors in 2025

March 24, 2026 - 19:24

DeKALB — Enrollment data from 2025 shows a continued growth in several majors across campus, alongside an overall increase in total student enrollment compared to the previous academic year. The university recorded 12,118 undergraduate students and 3,608 graduate students, bringing total enrollment to 15,726 students.

This year’s figures solidify a clear trend in student academic interests. The health sciences major retains its position as the most popular undergraduate program, reflecting a sustained national focus on healthcare careers. Psychology continues to hold strong as the second most-selected major, indicating robust student curiosity about human behavior and mental well-being.

Rounding out the top three is business administration, a perennial favorite that underscores student preparation for the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape. The consistency of these leading programs points to strategic student alignment with high-demand fields in the current job market.

University officials note that the growth is distributed across multiple colleges, suggesting a broad appeal of the institution’s academic portfolio. The rising enrollment numbers are seen as a positive indicator of the university's health and its ability to attract students seeking relevant, impactful education for their future careers.