University profile
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL, United States
Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a university in Evanston, IL, the United States. It enrols approximately 22,601 students, a member of Association of American Universities. The institution is ranked #42 globally by QS and #30 by Times Higher Education.
Admission rate
7%
SAT average
1530
Cost of attendance
$81,598
Median earnings 10 yrs out
$96,400
Founded
1851
QS World Rank
#42
QS 2026 · Score 85.1
THE World Rank
#30
Times Higher Education
Upcoming deadlines
For 2027 entry. Dates can change, so confirm on the source before you apply.
This university
Dates this university publishes for itself.
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Financial aid application deadline — Early Decision · in 26 daysFirst-year applicants · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-27
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Regular Decision / final application deadline · in 60 daysSource ↗ · checked 2026-09-23
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Financial aid application deadline — Regular Decision · in 88 daysFirst-year applicants · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-27
Typical for this route
The usual date for this admissions route, not specific to this university. Check its own admissions page too.
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Candidates' reply date · in 177 daysUS Regular Decision (typical) · Most US four-year colleges. A default, not a specific college's date. · Source ↗ · checked 2026-09-23
Track this and get reminders
Email reminders before each date, with the Admissions Pipeline.
Programme outcomes
Programmes with published graduate earnings (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard).
- Anthropology (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Community Organization and Advocacy (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree) →
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- History (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Journalism (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Manufacturing Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Mathematics (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Music (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Psychology, Other (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Public Health (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Statistics (Bachelor's Degree) →
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Post-baccalaureate Certificate) →
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) →
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (Master's Degree) →
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degree) →
- Biotechnology (Master's Degree) →
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) →
- Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) →
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) →
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) →
- Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) →
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other (Master's Degree) →
- Community Organization and Advocacy (Master's Degree) →
- Computer Science (Master's Degree) →
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Master's Degree) →
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) →
- Engineering, Other (Master's Degree) →
- Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) →
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Master's Degree) →
- Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) →
- Journalism (Master's Degree) →
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Master's Degree) →
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) →
- Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) →
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) →
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degree) →
- Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degree) →
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) →
- Music (Master's Degree) →
- Public Administration (Master's Degree) →
- Public Health (Master's Degree) →
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degree) →
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Master's Degree) →
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) →
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (Master's Degree) →
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education (Master's Degree) →
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) →
- Biology, General (Doctoral Degree) →
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences (Doctoral Degree) →
- Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) →
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degree) →
- History (Doctoral Degree) →
- Music (Doctoral Degree) →
- Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) →
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) →
- Law (First Professional Degree) →
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (First Professional Degree) →
- Medicine (First Professional Degree) →
About the institution
- Colours: Purple, white
- Affiliations: American Council on Education, Association of American Colleges and Universities, Association of American Universities, Center for Research Libraries, Coalition for Networked Information (+9 more)
Test score ranges
- SAT Math: 770 – 800 (25th–75th percentile)
- SAT Reading + Writing: 720 – 770
- ACT composite: 34 – 36
Outcomes
- 4-year graduation rate: 87%
- Full-time retention rate: 97%
- Median graduate debt: $14,102
Frequently asked questions
What is the admission rate at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has an admission rate of approximately 7.0%. This figure reflects the overall proportion of applicants who receive an offer of admission.
When was Northwestern University founded?
Northwestern University was founded in 1851.
How many students attend Northwestern University?
Northwestern University enrols approximately 22,601 students.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?
The middle 50% of admitted students at Northwestern University scored between 1490 and 1570 on the SAT. The average SAT score is 1530.
How much does Northwestern University cost?
The annual cost of attendance at Northwestern University is approximately $81,598. Financial aid, scholarships, and net price after aid may reduce this figure significantly for eligible students.
What is the QS World Ranking of Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is ranked #42 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Where does Northwestern University rank in the Times Higher Education rankings?
Northwestern University is ranked #30 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
What is the official website of Northwestern University?
The official website of Northwestern University is northwestern.edu.
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