Northwestern University
Northwestern University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Northwestern University
| 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
Northwestern University Overview
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% |
Northwestern University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has 4,488 on-campus beds for 10,210 undergrads — that's enough for about 44% of the undergraduate population. Housing is limited. Many students live off campus after freshman year.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
Northwestern University Campus & Location
Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL — classified as City: Small. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
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.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Northwestern University
Northwestern is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1525+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Northwestern wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Northwestern University Values Most 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 |
Northwestern University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Northwestern University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 3 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwestern University
More About Northwestern University
Other Colleges in IL
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Northwestern University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.