Evanston,
IL
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About Northwestern
Northwestern is one of the top-research universities in the United States, and it offers a range of highly-regarded programs in a variety of disciplines, including journalism, business, engineering, law, and the arts. Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is one of the most prestigious journalism schools in the world and produced numerous award-winning journalists, reporters, and media professionals. It is also known for it's schools of business, communications, and music.
With a main campus in Evanston, Illinois and a second campus just 12 miles away in downtown Chicago, Northwestern students have easy access to a wealth of cultural and entertainment options, internships, and more. On the Evanston campus, students report that there is a noticeable division between North Campus, known for its party scene and active Greek life, and South Campus, which has a more artsy and laid-back vibe.
Northwestern students tend to be high-achieving and hardworking. Many were class presidents, team captains, or leaders of other organizations in high school, and are active in extracurriculars, sports, or activism at Northwestern.
Did You Know?
Northwestern University is home to the famous Waa-Mu Show, a name that harks back to the two organizations that presented the first show in 1929–the Women’s Athletic Association (W.A.A.) and the Men’s Union (M.U.). This student-led musical extravaganza has been a tradition at Northwestern since 1929. and has been called the “greatest college show in America” by the Associated Press. The show, which features original songs, dance numbers, and comedic sketches performed by Northwestern students, was called the “greatest college show in America” by the Associated Press.
The CC Community on Northwestern:
"I’d say that NU has [strong] school pride overall, thanks mainly to the Big Ten sports scene and Greek life. Students are cohesive, diverse and smart, and truly care about one another. This old-school, midwestern value is difficult to find on the East Coast, where I worked for many years."
Northwestern University is a private, nonprofit university in the suburb of Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern was founded in 1851. The university currently enrolls around 22,933 students a year, including 8,499 undergrad students.
Northwestern Acceptance Rate
It is extremely difficult to get into Northwestern. In 2022, Northwestern accepted 7% of applicants. In 2022, 3,321 out of 47,636 total applicants were accepted.
| Northwestern University Admissions Facts At-A-Glance | |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 7% |
| Early Decision Acceptance Rate | 24% |
| Early Action Acceptance Rate | EA not offered |
| Test Optional | Yes |
| Applicants Submitting SAT scores | 43% |
Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.
Northwestern University Community Forums
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Northwestern Campus Tours
Northwestern University is located in the town of Evanston, Illinois, in the suburbs of Chicago.
If you want to see Northwestern for yourself, plan a visit. The best way to reach campus is to take Interstate 94 to Evanston, or book a flight to the nearest airport, O'Hare International.
You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Northwestern University and Evanston are like without leaving home.
College Info
Northwestern Application Deadline
First-Year Applications are Due
Jan 1
Transfer Applications are Due
Mar 15
The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Northwestern is Jan 1.
The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Northwestern is Mar 15.
Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs
Northwestern University is a member of the Coalition for College.
More than an application, the Coalition provides free tools and resources to help students through the college admissions process, beginning as early as 9th grade.
Northwestern SAT Scores
Composite SAT Range
1490 - 1550
Math SAT Range
740 - 790
Reading SAT Range
720 - 770
Northwestern Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
$88,017
In State$88,017
Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$64,887
$64,887
Fees
$1,110
$1,110
Housing
$20,334
$20,334
Books
$1,686
$1,686
Student Life
Wondering what life at Northwestern is like? There are approximately 22,933 students enrolled at Northwestern, including 8,499 undergraduate students and 14,434 graduate students. 98% percent of students attend school full-time, 27% percent are from IL and 73% percent of students are from other states.
98%
Full Time2%
Part Time27%
In State73%
Out-of-StateData Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved
Quick Facts
Total Enrollment
22,933
Campus Setting
Suburban
Acceptance Rate
7%
Tuition and Fees
In State
$65,997
Out-of-State
$65,997
Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline
Jan 1
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