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Northwestern University, Evanston

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

THE Rank : 26 | QS Rank : 32

Updated onFeb 21, 2024 01:10 PM IST
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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

Score
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
LevelDoctoral
MajorAstronomy
Duration60 Months
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorManagement
Duration60 Months
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorChemistry
Duration60 Months
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorClinical
Duration60 Months
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorBiology
Duration60 Months
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorManagement
Duration60 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,2024

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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FAQ's

The GRE is required by Northwestern University depending on the programme to which you are applying. GRE scores are optional for most master's degrees in business, engineering, arts and sciences, and education. However, if you opt to submit GRE results, the univesity may still evaluate them, which might be beneficial if your GPA or other application materials are not very good. Some courses, such as some PhD programmes, may still require GRE scores.

Northwestern University is known for its expertise in a variety of academic subjects, but a few particular degrees include Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications, Business, Law, Engineering, Economics, Biological Sciences, Anthropology, and others. The university has a strong reputation for academics, interdisciplinary focus, and research opportunities.

Northwestern University is ranked among the top universities in the USA and the world. According to the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, Northwestern is ranked 9th in the national universities. The university is 9th among the Best Value Schools in The Princeton Review. Forbes has placed the university 19th in America's Best Colleges. 

Candidates looking for admission to Northwestern must have an average GPA of 4.1 or more on a scale of 5.0. Applicants with a GPA below 4.0 have lower chances of being accepted into the university. Besides GPA, students must also have standardised test scores, a strong application, and relevant interests and experiences. They must focus on showcasing their strengths and building a compelling application that shows their potential for success at Northwestern.

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