CAMPUS · EVANSTON, IL · PRIVATE
Northwestern University
Northwestern University
7.1%
ACCEPT
$63,468
TUITION
56
FIT
REACH
Northwestern University is a reach for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
7.1%
of 51,769 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
$85,400
across all majors
01
Northwestern University at a Glance
7.1%
Acceptance Rate
1525
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
$63,468
In-State Tuition
$63,468
Out-of-State Tuition
26,993
Total Enrollment
$85,400
Median Salary (10yr)
19.0%
Pell Grant Rate
Northwestern University SAT & ACT Scores
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 730 | 770 | 750 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 790 | 775 |
| SAT Total | 1490 | 1560 | 1525 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 51,769 |
| Students Admitted | 3,703 |
| Students Enrolled | 2,111 |
| Yield Rate | 57.0% |
Northwestern University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #9 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #37 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #32 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #30 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | #12 | #11 | #10 | #9 | #9 | #9 | #10 | #9 | #9 |
US News National Universities: #12 (2016) → #9 (2025) ↑ 3 spots
About Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL with 26,993 students. With a 7.1% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Communication, and Engineering.
| Full Name | Northwestern University |
| Location | Evanston, IL 60208 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | northwestern.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 26,993 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 10,210 |
| Female Students | 54.7% |
Is Northwestern University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 7.1%, Northwestern University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Northwestern University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Northwestern University True Cost by Family Income
19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Northwestern enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total | vs Sticker Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $6,200 | $24,800 | -90% |
| $30-48k | $8,400 | $33,600 | -87% |
| $48-75k | $14,600 | $58,400 | -77% |
| $75-110k | $26,800 | $107,200 | -58% |
| $110k+ | $57,200 | $228,800 | -10% |
Northwestern University Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | Northwestern University Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | — | $116,250 | $75,000 | +55% |
| Engineering | #17 | $111,600 | $72,000 | +55% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $96,100 | $62,000 | +55% |
| Business | #6 | $85,250 | $55,000 | +55% |
| Health Professions | — | $80,600 | $52,000 | +55% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Social Sciences | #7 | $69,750 | $45,000 | +55% |
| Legal Professions | — | $69,750 | $45,000 | +55% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Communication & Journalism | #2 | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| History | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Education | #8 | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Psychology | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| Family & Consumer Sciences | — | $54,250 | $35,000 | +55% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $52,700 | $34,000 | +55% |
Popular Majors at Northwestern University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Social Sciences
20.3%
Communication
11.3%
Engineering
11.0%
Psychology
8.6%
Biological Sciences
8.5%
Computer Science
7.5%
Visual/Performing Arts
6.2%
Mathematics/Statistics
6.1%
Public Administration
4.0%
Health Professions
2.6%
Physical Sciences
2.0%
Student Demographics
White
36.9%
Black/African American
6.7%
Hispanic/Latino
13.3%
Asian
20.6%
International
10.1%
What Northwestern University Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Class Rank | ★★★ Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | ★★★ Considered |
| Application Essay | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Recommendation | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Talent Ability | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| First Generation | ★★★ Considered |
| Alumni Relation | ★★★ Considered |
| Interview | ★★★ Considered |
| Work Experience | ★★★ Considered |
| Volunteer Work | ★★★ Considered |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
19.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$64,200
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwestern University
More About Northwestern University
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Northwestern University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.