Overview
Northwestern University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Evanston, Illinois. The school accepts 7.2% of applicants and enrolls 8,960 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 7.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,530
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,490–1,570
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 8,960
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Northwestern's dual-degree programs set it apart from other highly selective schools, particularly the accelerated medical program with Feinberg School of Medicine and the Integrated Science Program that combines physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The admissions office pays close attention to how you connect your interests across disciplines rather than just excelling in one area.
Apply directly to specific undergraduate schools within Northwestern, and your choice matters significantly. The School of Communication admits differently than McCormick School of Engineering, which admits differently than Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Your essays must align with your chosen school's culture and programs.
Reference specific Northwestern traditions and opportunities in your supplemental essays. Mention Dance Marathon if you care about philanthropy, or discuss how you'd contribute to Dillo Day planning. Write about professors whose research excites you, not generic statements about academic quality. The admissions committee can spot applicants who haven't done their homework on what makes Northwestern distinct from other top schools.
Don't write about Chicago as your main reason for wanting to attend. Northwestern sits in Evanston, and while proximity to Chicago matters, the campus culture revolves around Big Ten athletics, Greek life, and tight-knit residential colleges. Your essays should reflect understanding of life in Evanston specifically.
Northwestern offers binding Early Decision, which provides a significant admissions advantage. However, avoid applying Early Decision unless Northwestern is genuinely your top choice, as the financial aid office has less incentive to compete with other offers.
Your application should show intellectual flexibility. Northwestern students typically pursue multiple interests simultaneously. If you're applying to McCormick for engineering, also mention your theater background or journalism experience. The school attracts students who refuse to be pigeonholed into single academic tracks.
Avoid positioning Northwestern as your backup to Ivy League schools in your essays. The admissions committee recognizes yield protection language and prefers applicants who genuinely want to be there. Write about specific professors, research opportunities, or programs that exist only at Northwestern.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $27,143/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $65,997
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $89,363/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 97.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Northwestern has a test-optional policy, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, submitting strong test scores may still benefit your application.
Does Northwestern University offer early decision or early action?
Northwestern offers Early Decision, which is binding and has a November 1 deadline. The school does not offer non-binding Early Action.
Can you transfer to Northwestern University from another college?
Northwestern accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must complete at least one full year of college coursework before enrolling.
What is Northwestern University's regular decision application deadline?
Northwestern's regular decision application deadline is January 1. All application materials must be submitted by this date for fall admission consideration.