About Northwestern University
The sticker price hits $88,017 annually, but financial aid transforms the reality. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,243 after aid, while those from six-figure households still face $48,837. Graduates earn a median $89,363 within ten years, making the typical $15,000 in debt manageable with monthly payments of $159. The 96.21% four-year graduation rate means students move quickly from campus to career.
Northwestern's 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom experiences despite the research university setting. The school sends 487 athletes to compete in 19 varsity sports, backed by over $26 million in athletic scholarships. Students represent diverse backgrounds, with 21.67% Asian and 15.06% Hispanic enrollment bringing global perspectives to the lakefront campus.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 96.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.9%
- Retention Rate
- 97.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $89,363
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $189,565 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Doctoral | $188,472 |
| Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. | Master | $188,472 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $182,280 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $170,971 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $163,561 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $157,779 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $141,586 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $118,465 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $113,668 |
Campus Life
Chicago winters demand serious coats and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for outdoor activities along the lakefront. Students balance rigorous coursework with Big Ten athletics, cheering on the Wildcats at Ryan Field. The theater scene thrives year-round, from student productions to professional shows in downtown Chicago via the Purple Line. Greek life shapes much of the social calendar, though the 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Weekends mix Chicago adventures with campus parties, Northwestern football games, and study sessions in the library. The quarter system's 10-week terms create an academic intensity that shapes campus culture.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 4,488 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
237 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 103 | 6 | 0 | 26 |
| Burglary | 19 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Stalking | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–32°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 34.1%
- Black
- 7.4%
- Hispanic
- 15.1%
- Asian
- 21.7%
- In-State Students
- 24.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.7%
Location
- Address
- Evanston, Illinois 60208
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $89,363
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $95,985
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $71,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?
Northwestern accepts just 7.21% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1490-1570 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting top academic talent.
How much does Northwestern University cost after financial aid?
While the sticker price reaches $88,017 annually, Northwestern's average net price is $27,143 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,243 on average, as the university has strong financial aid programs for low-income students.
What is Northwestern University known for academically?
Northwestern operates on a quarter system and maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for close mentorship. The university is particularly well-known for its theater program, journalism school, and engineering programs, combining liberal arts excellence with pre-professional training.
How much do Northwestern University graduates earn?
Northwestern graduates earn a median salary of $89,363 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. The school's 95.7% employment rate and strong alumni network, including figures like Stephen Colbert and Meghan Markle, help students launch successful careers.
Where is Northwestern University located and what is campus life like?
Northwestern sits in Evanston, Illinois, a small city just north of Chicago with 8,960 students. The campus houses 4,488 students in residence halls, and 487 student-athletes compete in 19 varsity sports as Big Ten Wildcats.
Does Northwestern University have a strong theater program?
Northwestern is home to one of the nation's top theater programs, consistently ranking among the top drama schools. The program has produced notable alumni like David Schwimmer and has strong ties to Chicago's active theater scene, giving students access to professional opportunities.
