A private research university renowned for its Medill journalism and Kellogg business schools. Northwestern combines academic strength with a lakeside campus near Chicago.
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University admits approximately 7% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Northwestern University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 64,000 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Northwestern University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Northwestern University offers Northwestern Scholarship, Need-based Aid, and about 50% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Northwestern University?
The application deadline is Jan 02. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University offers 5 broad fields of study: Business, Arts & Design, Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine.
How big are classes at Northwestern University?
The average class size is 18 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, across a large campus of about 22,000 students.
Northwestern University
🇺🇸 Evanston, IL, United States · USA
#31
Global Ranking
Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 24, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://www.northwestern.edu.
At a Glance
Established
1851
Student Population
22,000
Faculty Ratio
6:1
Average Class Size
18
Acceptance Rate
7%
Annual Tuition
$64,000
Financial Aid Recipients
50%
Application Deadline
Jan 02
Website
https://www.northwestern.edu
About Northwestern University
A private research university renowned for its Medill journalism and Kellogg business schools. Northwestern combines academic strength with a lakeside campus near Chicago.
Highly competitive admissions mean a tightly selected, high-achieving peer group.
Generous aid — 50% of students receive financial support.
Small average class size (18 students) for close faculty access.
A large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
An active, well-funded research culture.
Admissions — Highly Selective
With only 7% of applicants admitted, every part of the application needs to be deliberate — academics, essays, and activities all carry weight.
This school is more selective than approximately 75% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 86% of them, and is more affordable than 2% (out of 172 schools compared).
Typical requirements:
Completed online application
Official academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
3 letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
Personal statement plus 2+ supplemental essays
Standardized test scores (optional at many schools, but top-decile scores strengthen the file)
Demonstrated depth in 1-2 extracurriculars rather than breadth across many
Test-optional, but admitted students who submit scores typically land in the 90th percentile or above.
Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)
Tuition
$64,000
Housing & Living
$22,400
Books & Supplies
$2,560
Personal Expenses
$5,120
Total Cost of Attendance
$94,080
Est. Average Grant / Aid
- $19,200
Est. Net Price
$44,800
4-Year Total (before aid)
$376,320
Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.
Scholarships
Northwestern Scholarship
Need-based Aid
Majors & Career Outcomes
Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur
Arts & Design — $52,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Art Director, UX Designer, Illustrator, Creative Director
Engineering — $72,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Design Engineer, Project Manager, R&D Specialist, Systems Engineer
Social Sciences — $54,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Policy Analyst, Economist, Counselor, HR Specialist
Medicine — $80,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist
Campus Life
A balanced campus on Lake Michigan with Big Ten athletics and strong arts.
Suggested Application Timeline
12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
Jan 02 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Similar Universities to Consider
School
Rank
Tuition
Acceptance
University of Michigan
#33
$52,266
18%
Johns Hopkins University
#28
$60,480
7%
University of California, Los Angeles
#29
$43,022
9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University admits approximately 7% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Northwestern University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 64,000 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Northwestern University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Northwestern University offers Northwestern Scholarship, Need-based Aid, and about 50% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Northwestern University?
The application deadline is Jan 02. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University offers 5 broad fields of study: Business, Arts & Design, Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine.
How big are classes at Northwestern University?
The average class size is 18 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, across a large campus of about 22,000 students.