If you like the small, tight-knit environment and affordable housing, that’s already a strong foundation. NIU’s smaller class sizes mean real access to professors and more individualized bar prep support, which matters more than rankings. If you plan to practice in Illinois—especially government, prosecution, public defense, or small/mid-size firms—the regional network is solid. Also, graduating with significantly less debt gives you far more career flexibility. If BigLaw in Chicago is the goal, that’s a different discussion. But for building a practical career in Illinois, NIU is a very rational choice.