Northwestern University
About Northwestern University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, on the shores of Lake Michigan just north of Chicago. It is known for its Kellogg School of Management, Medill School of Journalism, and strong programs in engineering, law, and the performing arts.
Founded
1851
Location
Evanston, Illinois
Students
23,658
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
7.7%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
95.1%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,322
Per year
Avg Net Price
$29,167
After financial aid
SAT Average
1533
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$89,363
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 7.7 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
With a 7.7% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1533, Northwestern University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1533/ 1600
ACT Scores
35/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
95.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
98.1%
4-Year Grad
86%
6-Year Grad
95%
Teaching Quality
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
83%
$/Student
$48.9K
Class Size
Small
86% of students graduate on time, and with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,322
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,126
Books & Supplies
$1,794
Total Cost of Attendance
$91,250
After Financial Aid
$29,167
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$1,764
Receive Grants
18.6%
Take Loans
17.1%
Don't let the $68,322 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $29,167 after financial aid, a 57% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $1,764.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northwestern University fund their education.
While in School
18.6%
Get Grants
Free money
17.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$58,835
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 17.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northwestern University.
Gender
54.3%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,201
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
14,457
Graduates
15.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 15.2% are first-generation college students. 11.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
9,201
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Lakefront campus on Lake Michigan is stunning
- +Easy access to downtown Chicago via the L
- +Strong school spirit around athletics
- +Evanston has a great college-town vibe
Cons
- -Chicago winters are brutal, especially lakeside
- -Quarter system moves fast and can be stressful
- -Evanston nightlife is limited for a college town
- -North vs South campus divide can feel disconnecting
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northwestern University fields 14 varsity teams with 518 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
518
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
262
Men
256
Women
8
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northwestern Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$89,363
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$85K
373 grads
1yr Earnings
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$25K
247 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$44K
211 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$71K
135 grads
4yr Earnings
Computer Science
$100K
127 grads
1yr Earnings
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
$35K
113 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $77K six years out, climb to $83K by year eight, and reach $89K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwestern University
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?▾
How much does Northwestern University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University?▾
How much do Northwestern University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.