NIU has received recognition as a university that works to support economic development.

NIU was designated at one of 16 institutions nationwide to be an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The university has also been named a finalist for the organizations’ inaugural Innovation and Economic Prosperity Award.

The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities is a research organization comprised of 219 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems as well as other organizations.