Northwestern University campus
Northwestern University logo

Northwestern University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Small
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Quarter
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 4,409
Student to faculty ratio 6 to 1
Acceptance rate 7%
Students retention rate 99%
On-time graduation rate 95%

Located in Evanston, Illinois, NorthWestern is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. NorthWestern operates on a quarter-based calendar system, dividing the academic year into four terms.

The acceptance rate at NorthWestern is 7%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 6-to-1, NorthWestern emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

NorthWestern boasts an impressive student retention rate of 99% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 70% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

7%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$60,768

Cost of attendance at Northwestern University in 2022 for students from Illinois.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Illinois's average $13,029
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$60,768

Cost of attendance at Northwestern University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Illinois's average $19,104
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 57 of freshman students at Northwestern University received on average $51,087 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$51,087
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 387 20% $5,254 $2,033,154
Other Federal Grant 387 20% $7,962 $3,081,357
State Grant/Scholarships 157 8% $5,242 $823,072
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,074 56% $48,023 $51,576,422
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,086 57% $51,087 $55,480,851

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Northwestern University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Northwestern University students is 95.2%. Female students graduated at a rate of 96.5%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 94.0%.

95.2%

  • asian 97.8% 352 students
  • African American 90.8% 118 students
  • white 95.1% 907 students
  • unknown 91.2% 73 students
  • hispanic 94.3% 232 students
  • International Students 96.2% 152 students
  • Mixed Race 97.6% 80 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Big Ten Conference
  • Baseball Big Ten Conference
  • Basketball Big Ten Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Big Ten Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Northwestern University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Northwestern University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Navy

Veteran Services

  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)