Northwestern University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Evanston, Illinois with 9,201 undergraduates. It admits 7.7% of applicants, costs an average of $34,420 a year after grants and graduates 96% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Northwestern University acceptance rate and admissions
Northwestern University admitted 7.7% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 13. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1510 to 1570
4001600
ACT composite
33 to 35
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 740 to 770, math 770 to 800). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Northwestern University application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Early decision
Nov 1, 2026 (passed)
Regular decision
Jan 4, 2027
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jan 4, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $75 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Northwestern University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Northwestern University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees (2025-26)
$70,589
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$21,975
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$94,854
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$34,420
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $34,420 a year after grants and scholarships, $60,434 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Northwestern University graduation rate, earnings and debt
96%finished within 6 years98%came back for year two21%get a Pell Grant
96% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $104,255 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $17,017 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Northwestern University$104,255
Illinois median, private nonprofit 4-year$64,180
U.S. median, private nonprofit 4-year$59,582
Debt compared
Northwestern University$17,017
Illinois median$22,125
U.S. median$23,250
Median debt is 16% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Northwestern University majors and what graduates earn
Northwestern University awarded bachelor's degrees in 68 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from information science ($163,740).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Northwestern University
145 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University admitted 7.7% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Northwestern University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $70,589. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $34,420 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 740 to 770 in reading and writing and 770 to 800 in math, and 33 to 35 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Northwestern University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Northwestern University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University?
96% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Northwestern University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $104,255 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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