Northwestern University — QS #42, Fees & Admission 2026

Northwestern University✓

🌍 United States ·Evanston 🏆 QS #42 ·Private Research

🌐 Official Website

QS Ranking 2026

Acceptance Rate

7.5%

Tuition / Year

$65,997/yr

International Students

Fall Deadline

January 2 (RD), November 1 (ED)

Total Students

22,000

Intl Students

24%

🌐 Official Website ✍️ Need application help? →

🏛️ University Snapshot

📅

Founded

1851

🏫

Type

Private Research

👥

Students

22,000

🌍

Intl Students

24%

👩‍🏫

Faculty Ratio

7:1

📍

Location

Evanston

Northwestern University, founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois, is ranked #6 nationally by US News and #42 globally by QS in 2026. Home to the legendary Kellogg School of Management — consistently ranked among the world's top 5 MBA programs — Northwestern also excels in journalism, law, medicine, and engineering. Its beautiful lakeside campus just north of Chicago provides students with excellent access to one of America's greatest cities.

📋 Admissions Overview

Academic Requirements

Acceptance Rate7.5%

English LanguageIELTS 7 · TOEFL 90

Min GPA3.9

SAT Range1480-1570

ACT Range33-36

GRE RequiredDepends on program

GMAT RequiredFor MBA

Duolingo Min120

Documents Required

✓Academic Transcripts
✓CV / Resume
✓Statement of Purpose
✓English Language Test Scores
✓Letter of Recommendation
✓Passport Copy

Application Timeline

Fall Deadline

January 2 (RD), November 1 (ED)

Document Deadline

After Application

Decisions Released

Mar – Apr

📝 SOP Guidelines

Your Statement of Purpose should be 500-1000 words covering your academic background, research interests, career goals and why you chose this university specifically.

💡 Application Tips

Apply early for better chances. Highlight research experience and leadership activities. Explain how your background aligns with the program's focus.

✍️ Get Expert Application Help

🌍 International Students

🛂

Visa Process Guidance

Step-by-step help to get your student visa on time

🏥

Health Insurance

Mandatory health coverage for all international students

✈️

Airport Pickup

Available for newly admitted international students

🎓

Orientation Program

Special welcome for international newcomers

24% of students are international at Northwestern University. The university offers comprehensive support including pre-arrival guidance, accommodation assistance and cultural integration programs.

🏠 Housing: Guaranteed for 1st year

🎭 500+ student clubs and societies

💰 Fees & Cost

🎓

Tuition Fees

$65,997/yr

Per year · USD

🏠

Accommodation

$20,000/yr

Per year · USD

📝

Application Fee

$75

One time · USD

💳

Total Estimated Cost

$92,000/yr

Per year · All included · USD

Tuition Fees$65,997/yr

Accommodation$20,000/yr

Food & Dining~$4,000/yr (est.)

Health Insurance~$1,500/yr (est.)

Books & Supplies~$1,000/yr (est.)

Total Estimated$92,000/yr

⚠️ Estimates only. Verify with official university website.

💰 Calculate Your Cost

📚 Popular Programs

Official Site →

Program	Degree	Duration	Tuition/yr
Economics	Bachelor	3-4 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Psychology	Master	1-2 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Communications	PhD	3-5 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Computer Science	MBA	12-24 Mo	$65,997/yr
Engineering	Bachelor	3-4 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Biology	Master	1-2 Yrs	$65,997/yr

Mathematics	PhD	3-5 Yrs	$65,997/yr
History	MBA	12-24 Mo	$65,997/yr
Political Science	Bachelor	3-4 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Music	Master	1-2 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Theatre	PhD	3-5 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Journalism	MBA	12-24 Mo	$65,997/yr
Finance	Bachelor	3-4 Yrs	$65,997/yr
Marketing	Master	1-2 Yrs	$65,997/yr

🌐 Visit Official Website →

🎓 Scholarships

View All →

🇺🇸

Brookings Institution Fellowship

Brookings Institution · Deadline: Rolling

Partial Funding

🇺🇸

Council on Foreign Relations Fellowship

Council on Foreign Relations · Deadline: November annually

Full Funding

🇺🇸

Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity

Atlantic Institute · Deadline: December annually

Full Funding

🇺🇸

Milken Institute Scholarship

Milken Family Foundation · Deadline: January annually

Partial Funding

View All Scholarships

💼 Placements & Career

94%

Employment Rate

$115,000

Avg Starting Salary

12+

Top Recruiters

24%

Intl Students

🏢 Top Recruiters

McKinseyGoldman SachsGoogleAmazonBCGBainMicrosoftJP MorganMetaDeloitteAccentureApple

Graduates from Northwestern University are highly sought after by leading global employers. The university's career services office provides dedicated support for job placement.

🏘️ Campus Life

🏛️

500+

Student Clubs

🏠

Guaranteed for 1st year

Housing

👩‍🏫

7:1

Faculty Ratio

📍

240 ac

Campus Size

Northwestern University offers a vibrant campus life with a rich mix of academic, cultural and social activities throughout the year.

🌍 24% international students from 100+ countries

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is GRE required for admission?+

GRE is depends on program for most programs. Check specific program requirements on the official website.

What is the minimum English requirement?+

Minimum English requirements: IELTS 7 · TOEFL 90· Duolingo 120. Some programs may have higher requirements.

What is the acceptance rate?+

The acceptance rate at Northwestern University is approximately 7.5%. Rates vary by program and intake.

Do you offer scholarships for international students?+

Yes, Northwestern University offers scholarships for international students. Visit our scholarships page for complete details.

What are the intake months?+

Most programs admit in Fall (Deadline: January 2 (RD), November 1 (ED)). Check the official website for all available intakes.

Can I work while studying?+

International students on a valid student visa can typically work part-time (up to 20 hrs/week) during term and full-time during breaks. Check local immigration rules for your specific country.

✍️