About

About Northwestern University

highly selective admissionsquarter systemjournalism and media strengthresearch universitylakeside campus

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, IL, known for its highly selective admissions, quarter system, and journalism and media strength. With an acceptance rate of 7%, NU is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 2,038 students each year. NU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1510–1560, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. NU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $70,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Northwestern University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

7%
Overall Accept Rate
1535
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1510 – 1560 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 34 – 35

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ED advantage at Northwestern University: ED acceptance rate is 23% vs 7% regular decision, more than double. If Northwestern Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northwestern University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Northwestern's supplemental essays are weighted heavily in admissions decisions, so your 'Why Northwestern' response must go beyond name-dropping programs. Reference specific faculty research, a particular lab or center like the Kellogg Certificate Program for undergrads, or a unique curricular structure like the quarter system and explain concretely how it connects to your goals.
Application Strategy
Apply to a specific school within Northwestern, such as Weinberg, McCormick, Medill, or SESP, and tailor every part of your application to that school's culture and requirements. Admissions committees for each school read applications separately, so a generic application will stand out for the wrong reasons at a 7% acceptance rate school.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Northwestern University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Northwestern University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $70,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Northwestern University's sticker price of ~$84k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$84k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$84k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75k~$84k/yr$7.9k
75k-110k~$84k/yr$18.3k
110k+~$84k/yr$48.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

96%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$77k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,859
Undergrad Enrollment
Northwestern University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch