Quick Summary
Based in Evanston, United States, Northwestern University is a private research university with roots dating back to 1851. Ranked #50 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 23410 students including 21% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Communication and Media Studies, Marketing, Materials Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 7%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Combines Ivy-league level academics with Big Ten athletics and a world-class journalism school, all on a beautiful lakeside campus near Chicago.
Subject Strengths
Communication and Media StudiesMarketingMaterials ScienceChemistryEconomicsBusiness and ManagementLaw
Founded1851
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students23410
Intl Students21%
Faculty Ratio6
CampusSuburban
Campus Size240 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNorthwestern Memorial Hospital,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago,Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#50
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#28
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#30
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral
Programs
Anthropology,Biomedical Engineering,Chemistry,Economics,History,Media, Technology and Society,Physics and Astronomy
PhD Programs
Master of Science in Data Science,Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration,Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Programs
International Institute for Nanotechnology,Buffett Institute for Global Affairs,Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate7%
IELTS7.5
TOEFL100
Min GPANot Available
GREOptional for many programs
GMATRequired for Kellogg MBA
SATTest-Optional
ACTTest-Optional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 2
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Emphasize the 'Why Northwestern' essay by highlighting specific interdisciplinary interests across their multiple schools and the unique quarter system.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$67,158/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$21,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$65,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$91,290/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$55,000
Financial AidNeed-blind for US citizens, meets 100% of demonstrated need
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biological Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Political Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$78,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementVery High
Industry Connections
Strong ties to Chicago financeglobal journalism outletsand major tech firms.
Notable Alumni
Meghan Markle,Stephen Colbert,Ginni Rometty,Julia Louis-Dreyfus,George R.R. Martin
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Ryan Field, Welsh-Ryan Arena, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion
Student Clubs
A&O Productions,Northwestern University Dance Marathon,The Daily Northwestern
Library Resources
Northwestern University Library, Deering Library, Mudd Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
National High School Institute,Center for Talent Development,Summer Session