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    Northwestern University, Evanston

    Illinois, United States of America | Estd in 1851 | Private University

    QS Rank : 50

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    About Northwestern University

    Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, along the shores of Lake Michigan within the Chicago metropolitan area. The university was established in 1851 and is the oldest chartered university in Illinois. Northwestern is a highly respected university, consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. 

    Northwestern University acceptance rate is 7% which shows that the university is highly selective and only 7 out of every 100 students are admitted into the university. Students must have a high GPA and SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission at the university. International students must show English proficiency in IELTS, Duolingo test or TOEFL exam.

    Candidates looking for admission to Northwestern University are required to submit their application before January 3, 2024 for regular application and for transfer application, the admission deadline is March 15, 2024. Applicants are required to pay an application fee of 75 USD to apply to the university. Tuition fees at Northwestern is 21,629 USD per quarter. 

    Northwestern University is a home to 8,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 postgraduate students from over 50 states and 75 countries around the world. The university has 2,300+ international students, comprising about 10.5% of the total student body. The university has a strong academic excellence and provides undivided attention to the students. Student to faculty ratio at Northwestern University is 6:1. 

    Northwestern University offers various undergraduate and graduate programmes to both domestic and international students. Top courses at the university are in the fields of Economics, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Mathematics, History, Statistics, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, and Chemistry. 

    Northwestern University has produced a variety of Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. It has a significant research community, with over 90 school-based research institutes and 35 university research centres. In addition, the university has over 400 student organisations and societies, resulting in a dynamic and varied student community. Northwestern University has constantly ranked among the best institutions in the United States, and is placed 9th in the National Universities by U.S. News & World Report 2024.

    Northwestern University campus spans 240 acres and has two campuses that are 12 miles apart and separated by a Great Lake. The campus is beautiful with hundreds of different trees, grasses, and flowers. Northwestern also offers transport to its students. In addition to public transportation, a free intercampus shuttle connects the Evanston and downtown Chicago campuses.

    Read more: Benefits of studying in USA

    Northwestern University Highlights

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    Year of Establishment1851
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    Institute TypeUniversity
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    OwnershipPrivate
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    Number Of Students8993
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    Campus Size379 acres
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    Faculty Count3521
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    Acceptance Rate7%
    Bachelors vs Masters
    Gender Ratio
    Male: 46%Female: 54%
    Male: 46%Female: 54%
    Student Demographic
    • Domestic:   8004
    • International:   989

    Northwestern University Ranking and Stats

    Northwestern University is a highly esteemed institution, consistently ranking among the best universities in the world. The university is ranked 9th in the USA and 24th in the world according to U.S. News & World Report 2024. According to The Princeton Review, Northwestern is ranked 9th in Best Value Schools. Forbes has placed the university 19th in America's Best Colleges. Northwestern University is ranked 28th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. 

    QS World University Rankings 2024 has placed the university at 47th globally. Northwestern grabbed a position of 30th worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023. The university has also been ranked for its courses including 2nd in Best Business Schools, 1st in Part-time MBA, 1st in Graduate Journalism Programmes, 14th in Research, and 13th in Undergraduate Engineering Programs (doctorate) 

    Ranking Body
    THE
    Subject
    Overall

    Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

    Overall Score83.2
    University rank28
    Parameter Ranking
    Citations
    97.8
    Industry Outcome
    99.7
    International Outlook
    75.9
    Research
    78.8
    Teaching
    72.3

    Ranking by year

    Ranking

    Show adjacently ranked institutions

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    Rank
    Northwestern University, Evanston
    Adjacently Ranked Colleges

    Northwestern University Courses

    Northwestern University offers various undergraduate and graduate programs to both domestic and international students. The university also has online courses, short - term courses, pre-collegiate degrees and continuing and professional programs. The university has its research areas in biotechnology, nanotechnology, drug discovery and neuroscience. Northwestern is known for Economics, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Mathematics, History, Statistics, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, and Chemistry.

    Northwestern University offers 4,000+ courses offers annually. Many students take a dozen courses every year. Northwestern has 12 schools and colleges, some of them are - Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Kellogg School of Management, School of Communication, Northwestern University in Qatar, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and McCormick School of Engineering. 

    Northwestern University in Evanston also offers a dynamic and extensive MBBS program, which is open to students all across the globe. The majority of students after graduating and completing their degrees in Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern University have an abundance of opportunities and are highly demandable in the market. The course is for 4 years (48 months) and on the completion of it, students will receive a degree in Doctor of Medicine (MBBS). A candidate willing to apply for this course will have to attempt and clear the MCAT Examination conducted every year.

    Accreditations
    Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
    Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
    Education Level
    Select
    Stream
    Select
    Mode
    Select
    LevelPG
    MajorArtificial
    Duration24 Months
    Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
    LevelPG
    MajorHealth
    Duration24 Months
    Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
    LevelPG
    MajorBiotechnology
    Duration15 Months
    Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
    LevelPG
    MajorDirection
    Duration24 Months
    Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
    LevelPG
    MajorElectrical
    Duration24 Months
    Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
    LevelPG
    MajorChemical
    Duration24 Months
    Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL

    Northwestern University Cost Of Living

    Tuition fees at Northwestern University depends on the programme of study. Below is a breakdown of undergraduate tuition fees for 2023-24 academic year. 

    • Tuition: 21,629 USD per quarter

    • Associated Student Government Activity Fee: 83 USD per quarter

    • Athletic Events Fee: 63 USD per year

    • Student Health Fee: 266 USD per quarter

    • NU-SHIP Annual Premium: varies by coverage period

    • Housing and Meals: 20,334 USD per year (estimated)

    • Books and Supplies: 1,686 USD per year (estimated)

    • Total estimated annual undergraduate cost: 91,290 USD (2023-2024 academic year)

    Is it expensive to study in the university?

    Northwestern University is located in Evaston, Illinois, which is one of the most expensive cities in the US. The cost of living in Evaston, United States is 39% higher than the national average. The cost of living at Northwestern University varies based on your course of study, residence status, and your scholarship package. However, below is an expected cost of attendance for undergraduate students at Northwestern University for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Cost of living at Northwestern University 

    Expense list 

    Costs 

    Tuition

    64,887 USD

    Room and Board

    19,440 USD

    Books and Supplies

    562 USD

    Transportation

    438 USD

    Personal Expenses

    2,052 USD

    Total 

    91,290 USD

    Read more: Things to know before studying in USA

    Northwestern University Admission and Application

    Application deadline May,2026

    Northwestern University acceptance rate is 7%, which shows that out of every 100 applicants, only 7 students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to Northwestern University are required to apply online by filling the application form available on the official website. A step-by-step procedure is mentioned below.

    How to apply to Northwestern University?

    • Visit the official website.

    • Choose the programme of your choice

    • Check the entry requirements. 

    • Fill the application form with relevant information.

    • Attach the documents required.

    • Pay the application fee.

    • Submit the form and wait for the release of decision. 

    Northwestern University application fee: All first-year and transfer applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of 75 USD. 

    Northwestern University Application deadline

    Application type

    Application Due Date

    Decision Release    

    Early Decision Applicant

    November 1, 2023

    December 2023

    Regular Decision Applicant

    January 3, 2024

    March 2024

    Transfer Applicant

    March 15, 2024

    Begins May 2024, ongoing

    Documents required for admission to Northwestern University

    Northwestern University Scholarship

    Northwestern University offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. The university awarded more than $200 million in scholarships to students in 2022-23. At Northwestern, 20% of class of 2027 has received Pell Grants and 64% of undergraduate students have received financial aid from the university.

    Northwestern Scholarship, Northwestern Endowed Scholarships, Questbridge National College Match Scholarship, and Chicago Star Scholarships are a few of the University-funded Scholarships at Northwestern University. Students can also look for scholarships in the USA through external organizations, or foundations. 

    Graduate students are provided with fellowships and grants to support doctoral studies, these include University Fellowships, Departmental Fellowships, and External Fellowships. To support their finances, students can also look for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and other types of assistantships. 

    How and when to apply for scholarships at Northwestern University?

    To apply for scholarships, The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the official application for federal and many state financial aid programs. If students only want to apply for federal aid, they must complete and submit the FAFSA. The code for Northwestern University is 001739. Transfer applications must submit the forms before March 15, 2024. For more information, students can visit the official website of the university. 

    Financial aid deadlines

    Type of admission 

    Application deadline

    Early Decision applicants

    December 1, 2023    

    Regular Decision Applicant

    February 1, 2024    

    Transfer Applicant

    March 15, 2024

    Northwestern University Eligibility

    English language requirements 

    If English is not their first language, applicants must satisfy the English language requirements for their chosen course at Northwestern. Official exam scores from the following tests are accepted by Northwestern:

    • DET (Duolingo English Test)

    • IELTS, as well as the IELTS Indicator

    • TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, but not TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution

    While Northwestern does not demand a minimum score, competitive applicants who have a high level of English proficiency have more chances of being considered for admission at the university.

    Northwestern University Campus Facilities

    Study Amenities

    Library

    Numerous resources like printed books, e-books, munascripts, print journals, electronic journals, audio files, film and video, graphic images, maps and charts, microforms, archives ansd many more are available in the university library. Northwestern University library also includes Herskovits and Transportation libraries. Computer labs, study room, printers are available in the library. For research assistance, subject librarians and research guides are also available.

    Sports

    Sports

    Sports like lacrosse, hockey, football, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, wrestling, swimming, diving and many more are available on the campus. Students at Northwestern University are encouraged to participate for their physical and mental well-being.

    Gym

    Northwestern University fitness center has modern equipment for workout. For free acces to the gym, wildcard is required.

    Transportation

    Parking Facility

    Northwestern University offers parking garages to students, staff, faculty, and visitors with a parking permit.

    Transport Facility

    The university provides free transportation services. The Northwestern University shuttles ply between Chicago and Evanston campuses. To avail the free shuttle services, students have to show a wildcard.

    Infrastructure

    Medical/Hospital

    Northwestern University offers free medical facilities to students. The university also has tie-ups with hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Shirley, Ryan Ability Lab and Lurie Children’s Hospital. 

    Cafeteria

    Freshly prepared delicious meals are served at the university cafeteria. Northwestern University has 4 residential dining commons with retail options and 2 kosher kitchens throughout the campus serving vegetarian and vegan food, halal meals, gluten and allergen free food and many more.

    I.T Infrastructure

    The IT infrastructure of  Northwestern University helps in academic research. Facilities like Macs, PCs and UNIX workstations help access to application programmes, instructional software and network resources. The entire campus is connected with NUNet, which provides email and communication services.

    Northwestern University International Office Details

    Northwestern University is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for excellence. It is a good choice for students who are looking for a world-class education and who are interested in studying in the USA. Northwestern University has 8,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 postgraduate, among which there are 2,300+ international students. All overseas students can contact Northwestern University on the following details:

    Address: Northwestern University, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States

    Contact: (847) 491-3741

    Is it hard to get into university?

    Yes, Northwestern University is highly selective and getting into the university is very difficult. Northwestern University acceptance rate is 7% which means that out of every 100 applications, approximately 7 of them gets accepted at the university. To be considered for admission to Northwestern University, candidates must have excellent academic scores, a well written personal statement, relevant work experience, and reference letters. 

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