Northwestern Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 7.69%. Very selective, indicating a competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 1540. Excellent SAT scores, indicating highly competitive applicants and often placing them in the top percentiles nationally.
Tuition Overview:
- Tuition: $68,322
- Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.
Student Population at Northwestern:
- Total Enrollment: 23,856, including 781 online students
- 9,399 Undergraduate, 14,457 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 44.8% men, 55.2% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 95%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 98%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 448 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 14 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 248 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Medical School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
Northwestern Overview
Northwestern University (Northwestern) is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The Northwestern's tuition & fees is $68,322 for the academic year 2024-2025. 52% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $59,150.
The school has a total enrollment of 23,856 and the students to faculty ratio is 6 to 1 (16.67%).
Northwestern's acceptance rate is 7.69% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 55.31%. The median SAT score is 1540 and the ACT score is 34.
Northwestern ranked 12nd in National Universities and 2nd in Illinois Colleges rankings. Northwestern University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Northwestern University is $68,322. For graduate programs, its 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $54,655.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $70,729 based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $55,450.
| Undergraduate | $68,322 |
|---|
| Graduate | $54,655 |
| Undergraduate | $70,729 |
|---|
| Graduate | $55,450 |
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Northwestern University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at Northwestern
| Learning Opportunities |
| ROTC | NAVY |
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
| Study Abroad | Yes |
| On-Campus Services |
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
| Employment services for students | Yes |
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
Northwestern University Directory Information
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