REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
Northwestern University
Established in 1851, Northwestern is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university boasts a beautiful lakeside campus that blends historic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with an inspiring environment for learning and growth. With a commitment to interdisciplinary education, Northwestern encourages students to explore diverse fields of study, fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
Northwestern University
Established in 1851, Northwestern is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university boasts a beautiful lakeside campus that blends historic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with an inspiring environment for learning and growth. With a commitment to interdisciplinary education, Northwestern encourages students to explore diverse fields of study, fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
Northwestern University
Established in 1851, Northwestern is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university boasts a beautiful lakeside campus that blends historic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with an inspiring environment for learning and growth. With a commitment to interdisciplinary education, Northwestern encourages students to explore diverse fields of study, fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity.
School Location:
EVANSTON, IL
School Type:
PRIVATE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Admissions Rates:
ADMITTED: 7%
GENERAL INFO
SAT/ACT Scores:
Test Optional for 2024-2025
Admission Cycle
Class of 2027 Test Scores
Middle 50% SAT:
1550-1560
Middle 50% ACT: 33-35
Dates/Deadlines:
Early Decision:
November 1
Regular Decision:
January 3
School Information:
Undergraduate population:
22,732
Faculty Ratio:
6:1
Interviews considered:
No
NORTHWESTERN TIPS & GUIDE
How difficult is it to get into Northwestern University?
Northwestern’s admissions process is highly selective. For the Class of 2027, 7% of applicants were admitted. Even though ACT and SAT requirements are waived for the 2022 application cycle, it is important to note that the middle 50% scores for the SAT were 1500-1560 and 33-35 for the ACT for the class of 2027.
What is the campus like at Northwestern University?
Northwestern has multiple campuses that make up a lively, diverse community and a global reach. The school’s main campuses are in Illinois, located 12 miles apart and bordered by a Great Lake. The Evanston campus has a small college town feel to it, with beaches, shops, and coffee houses a short walk away from dorm rooms and lecture halls. The Chicago campus, on the other hand, is located in the heart of one of America’s biggest cities and boasts perks like the Magnificent Mile and the Museum of Contemporary Art. To better understand these two campuses, you can take a virtual tour of Northwestern. As of 2008, the Northwestern University in Qatar also offers undergraduates an opportunity to study at this world-renowned institution. NU-Q is located in Doha’s Education City, a sprawling 2,500-acre campus known for its remarkable architecture and modern amenities.
NU offers 26 undergraduate residence halls, while 10 residential colleges offer many opportunities for faculty engagement and programming. Each college is headed by a member of the faculty, and these “Faculty Chairs” facilitate faculty dinners and fireside chats so that students can get to know Northwestern’s faculty better. Some residential colleges have themes, such as international studies, communications, or science & engineering. Similarly, special interest housing brings together students who share a common interest (e.g. sustainability, music, or a career track) or who belong to one of Northwestern’s 30+ fraternities or sororities. A special interest housing group may be located on a wing of a residence hall or have their own small house. Lastly, Northwestern offers all-gender housing for students across each of these housing options.
On Northwestern’s own campus, students won’t have any trouble finding special opportunities that allow them to take risks and explore their passions. Networking events like Business Bootcamp and Elevator Pitch Night equip students with the skills and connections they need to survive in corporate America, while mentorship programs like The Garage Residency provides a space for students from across NU to come together to develop hardware or software, commercial products or artistic endeavors.
What is Northwestern University known for?
Northwestern is particularly renowned for its esteemed programs in journalism, business, law, and the performing arts. The Medill School of Journalism produces graduates who excel in media and communications, while the Kellogg School of Management is a global leader in business education. The School of Law is highly respected for its contributions to legal scholarship and practice. Additionally, the School of Communication, which includes the renowned theater department, attracts students passionate about the arts. Northwestern’s strong emphasis on research, combined with its extensive network of alumni and industry connections, ensures that students are well-prepared for successful careers.
How diverse is Northwestern University?
Northwestern prides itself on its diverse student body. In the Class of 2027, 29.3% of students identified as Asian American or Pacific Islander, 14.2% were Black or African American, 17.2% Hispanic or Latinx/e, 10.5% International, 2.0% Native or Indigenous, and 47.8% White. Additionally, 14.6% of the incoming class were first-generation college students and 20.7% were Pell Grant recipients.
Does Northwestern University have a good athletic department?
Northwestern has 19 varsity sports and participates in the Big Ten Conference. There are 11 different intramural sports and over 38 club teams, attracting over 1,200 participants annually. Northwestern’s Group Exercise Program has a long history of being at the forefront of the industry, featuring experienced, nationally certified instructors and a wide variety of classes for all fitness levels, abilities, and interests.
How do I apply to Northwestern University?
Early Decision or Regular Decision. If you apply early, your application is due November 1. Northwestern will notify you of their decision by mid-December, and, if admitted, you must officially enroll by February 1. Since Northwestern is an ED school (as opposed to an EA school), your acceptance is binding: you must attend if you’re admitted. National College Match Scholars can apply to Northwestern ED through Questbridge. The majority of students apply during the non-binding Regular Decision round. Regular Decision applications are due January 3, with admission decisions released in late March and an enrollment deadline of May 1. Unless you’re a QuestBridge scholar, you’ll apply via the Common Application or Coalition Application. Along with your application, you’ll need:
- Secondary school report (includes high school transcript and counselor recommendation letter)
- Teacher recommendations; one from a school counselor and the other from a core subject teacher from junior or senior year
- Optional: an additional letter of recommendation that sheds new light on your application
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- Encouraged additional “Why Northwestern” essay
- Nonrefundable application fee of $75 or application fee waiver
- Midyear transcript
Additional application requirements are necessary if you’re applying to the following programs or schools:
- Bienen School of Music
- Integrated Science Program (ISP)
- Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences
- School of Communication applicants to the Musical Theater Certificate Program
What are Northwestern University’s core curriculum and programs?
Often recognized for the strength of its pre-professional programs, Northwestern is composed of twelve schools and colleges, nine of which offer degrees to undergraduates. In addition to Northwestern University in Qatar, there are eight undergraduate colleges at their Illinois campuses. Aside from the Kellogg School of Management, which only offers certificates to undergraduate students, they are all Bachelor degree-granting. Here’s a list of Northwestern’s seven undergraduate degree-granting schools in the U.S.:
- Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Communication
- School of Education and Social Policy
- School of Professional Studies (a part-time program for students completing their undergraduate studies)
- Bienen School of Music
- Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
- McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science
Students can take classes at all colleges throughout their undergraduate years. Northwestern also offers tremendous academic flexibility, meaning that even if you enroll in one college as a freshman, you can switch colleges later on or pursue a dual degree from two colleges.
Can I afford Northwestern University?
The total cost to attend Northwestern for the 2023-2024 school year, including tuition, room and board, and average transportation and personal costs, is $91,290. Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated need for all students—whether international or domestic. Additionally, the average aid package amounts to $57,000 per academic year. Northwestern is able to provide loan-free financial aid packages for the students who need it. Roughly half of the students receive Northwestern University scholarships and other state and federal grants that contribute to covering the costs of their education. You can calculate your estimated family contribution with Northwestern’s net price calculator.
