Northwestern University Overview

Northwestern University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Evanston, IL. It has an enrollment of 8,691 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 6.97%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $28,230. Tuition is $60,768.00 without financial aid.

Northwestern University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Northwestern University, 98.58% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Northwestern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1.

Northwestern University Website

Northwestern University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 6.97%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1529.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 35.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Northwestern University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $28,230.

The average tuition is:

• $8,911, when family income is less than $30,000

• $6,236, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $9,389, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $19,870, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $46,687, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 19.07% of students received a federal student loan and 18.69% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $60,768.00 without financial aid.

Northwestern University Net Price Calculator

Northwestern University Majors/Salaries

Northwestern University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Northwestern University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,019
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,041
• Communication and Media Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $74,953
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,100
• Journalism. (Master’s Degree) – $41,565
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Master’s Degree) – $87,754
• Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $82,238
• Information Science/Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $83,546
• Information Science/Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $104,597
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $98,403
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $56,776
• Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. (Master’s Degree) – $54,948
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $79,688
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $85,918
• Materials Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,112
• Industrial Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $79,849
• Engineering, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $141,586
• Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. (Master’s Degree) – $94,408
• Engineering-Related Fields. (Master’s Degree) – $157,779
• Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Law. (First Professional Degree) – $170,971
• Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. (First Professional Degree) – $97,071
• Legal Professions and Studies, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Post-baccalaureate Certificate) – $66,915
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,383
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Doctoral Degree) – $71,015
• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. (Master’s Degree) – $71,575
• Biotechnology. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,518
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,990
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $49,423
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,839
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,971
• Chemistry. (Doctoral Degree) – $93,342
• Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $92,632
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,048
• Research and Experimental Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $42,682
• Psychology, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,305
• Community Organization and Advocacy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,990
• Community Organization and Advocacy. (Master’s Degree) – $113,668
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $63,997
• Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,035
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,846
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,927
• Social Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,869
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,382
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $25,774
• Music. (Doctoral Degree) – $50,856
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $60,452
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Doctoral Degree) – $78,343
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $182,280
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $106,838
• Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $57,931
• Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $188,472
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $45,383
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $64,990
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $41,565
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $71,938
• Medical Illustration and Informatics. (Master’s Degree) – $118,465
• Business/Commerce, General. (Master’s Degree) – $163,561
• Business/Commerce, General. (First Professional Degree) – $188,472
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $189,565
• Human Resources Management and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,995
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $111,323
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,505

Northwestern University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Northwestern University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.09%
• Asian: 20.29%
• Black: 6.25%
• Hispanic: 13.81%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.05%
• Non-resident alien: 9.98%
• Two or more races: 6.69%
• Unknown: 3.07%
• White: 39.79%

At Northwestern University, 3.26% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Northwestern University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University has a strong school spirit and an active student body. Students are highly engaged in the university community and take pride in being a Wildcat. There are many resources and events available for students to show their school spirit, such as homecoming week, purple pride day, and various athletic events and clubs. Additionally, Northwestern has a strong alumni network that continues to support and engage with the university, which further contributes to the school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations. Some of the most popular extracurriculars at Northwestern University include: 1. Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) 2. Model United Nations (MUN) 3. A Capella groups like Purple Haze and Northwestern Undertones 4. The Daily Northwestern, the university’s student-run newspaper 5. Club sports like basketball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee 6. Theater groups like Purple Crayon Players and the Dolphin Show. 7. Greek life organizations 8. Political and activism groups like Students for Justice in Palestine and College Republicans. 9. Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Club 10. Service clubs like Global Brigades and Engineers for a Sustainable World.

How are the food choices at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University offers a wide variety of food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options. There are several dining halls on campus, each with their own unique menus, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants. The university also offers meal plans that allow students to enjoy meals at any of the dining facilities on campus. Furthermore, Northwestern takes food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously, and works with students to ensure their needs are accommodated. Students also have access to Chef’s Table events where they can interact with chefs and receive unique dining experiences.

Is there Greek life at Northwestern University?

Yes, Northwestern University has a thriving Greek life community, with over 50 active fraternities and sororities on campus. The Greek community at Northwestern is made up of diverse organizations that offer students opportunities for leadership development, social networking, and community service. Many students choose to rush a fraternity or sorority during their first or second year at Northwestern, and involvement in Greek life is a popular extracurricular activity on campus.

What is Northwestern University known for?

Northwestern University is a highly regarded private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is known for its exceptional academic programs, particularly in areas such as journalism, business, engineering, law, and medicine. Additionally, Northwestern is recognized for its top-ranked performing arts programs, including its School of Communication and Bienen School of Music. Northwester’s faculty includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipients. The university is also well-known for its beautiful campus on the shores of Lake Michigan and its robust athletic programs, including its NCAA Division I Big Ten sports teams.

What are the most popular school clubs at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University offers a diverse range of student clubs and organizations. Some popular school clubs at Northwestern University include: 1. Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) 2. Wildcat Welcome 3. The Northwestern Flipside 4. Northwestern University Model United Nations (NUMUN) 5. Active Minds at Northwestern 6. Northwestern Students for Ecological Design (NSED) 7. Northwestern Solar Car Team 8. Northwestern University Queer Pride Alliance (QPA) 9. Northwestern Musical Theatre Coalition (NMTC) 10. Northwestern University Debate Society (NUDS) There are many more clubs and organizations to choose from at Northwestern, so students are sure to find something that interests them.

Is the campus at Northwestern University safe?

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, which is considered a very safe city. The university itself has a very low crime rate, and there are many measures in place to keep students safe on campus, such as a campus police force, 24-hour shuttle service, and safety apps that allow students to quickly and easily report any concerns. Additionally, the university has a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in place to ensure the safety of students during a crisis. Overall, it is considered to be a safe campus.