Northwestern University
Northwestern University (NU) is a private research institution located in Evanston, Illinois, just outside Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan. Founded in 1851 to serve the historic Northwest Territory, it holds the distinction of being Illinois’ oldest chartered university. Originally affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, Northwestern was chartered by the Illinois General Assembly and has since become a non-sectarian institution. By the turn of the 20th century, it had grown to become the third-largest university in the United States. Northwestern was also a founding member of the Big Ten Conference in 1896 and joined the Association of American Universities in 1917.
Today, the university comprises eleven schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. These include the Kellogg School of Management, Pritzker School of Law, Medill School of Journalism, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Feinberg School of Medicine, among others. Its 19 athletic teams, known as the Northwestern Wildcats, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference.
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
- Alumni Nickname: Wildcats
- Mascot: Willie the Wildcat
2025 Rankings
by U.S. News & World Report
by QS World University Rankings
by Times Higher Education
Undergraduate Admissions Process Summary
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 2
Application Portal
Common Application
Coalition Application
QuestBridge Application
Standardized Tests
Optional
Recommendation Letters
Counselor Recommendation - 1 letter
Teacher Evaluation: 1 letter
On Campus Residence for Freshmen
Required
International Students
English Proficiency
TOEFL: minimum score 100
IELTS: minimum score 7.5
Duolingo minimum score of 120
Interview
Optional
University Specific Requests
None
Application Fee
$75
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Social Science 21%
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Journalism 14%
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Engineering 12%
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Physical Science 9%
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Computer and Information Sciences 6%
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Mathematics and Statistics 6%
Popular
Majors
7%
Acceptance Rate
50,000 applications to the undergraduate Class of 2028
3,750 undergraduate students admitted
97% of the Class of 2024 received need-based scholarship or grant aid
50+ undergraduate concentrations
50% of all undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students
6 million books volumes
Total Students
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White: 43%
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International: 16%
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Asian 26%
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Hispanic 9%
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Black 5%
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Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0,5%
Campus
Covering 240 acres, the campus features a mix of modern and historic Gothic architecture.
The Evanston campus houses the undergraduate schools, Graduate School, and Kellogg School of Management. It stretches from Lincoln Avenue to Clark Street, running north-south along Sheridan Road and just west of Lake Michigan.
North Campus includes the fraternity quads, athletic facilities such as the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Norris Aquatics Center, the Technological Institute, Dearborn Observatory, the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Hall for Nanofabrication and Molecular Self-Assembly, and the Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center.
South Campus is home to humanities buildings, music facilities like the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, and the sorority quads.
In the 1960s, Northwestern expanded the campus by creating an additional 84 acres through land reclamation from Lake Michigan.
This newly developed area, known as the Lakefill, is home to several key buildings including the University Library, the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, the Regenstein Hall of Music, the Norris University Center (student union), the Kellogg School of Management Global Hub, and additional athletic facilities.
Cost of Attendance
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Tuition $69,375
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Fees $1,214
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On-Campus Housing and Meals $21,975
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Total $92,564
At Northwestern, 20% of undergraduates qualified for the Pell Grant
Notable Affiliations
Northwestern University has produced a wide array of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions across science, business, politics, sports, and the arts. In the field of science and technology, one of the most prominent alumni is Robert Fischell, inventor of life-saving medical devices such as the rechargeable pacemaker. Additionally, Frances Arnold, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist in the field of directed evolution, also completed her undergraduate studies at Northwestern before going on to transformative work in bioengineering.
In business, Northwestern boasts leaders like Andrew Mason, the founder of Groupon, and Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, who has played a critical role in advancing commercial space travel. Stephen B. Burke, former CEO of NBCUniversal, and Chris Galvin, former CEO of Motorola, also reflect the university’s strong influence in shaping industry leadership.
The university has also made its mark in politics and public service, with alumni such as Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and Mayor of Chicago, and George R. Brown, philanthropist and influential figure in U.S. infrastructure and defense projects. Numerous judges, diplomats, and policy makers have also emerged from Northwestern’s prestigious School of Law and School of Communication.
In the world of sports, Northwestern has produced a number of NFL players, including Napoleon Harris, who later transitioned into a career in politics as a state senator. In broadcasting, Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism has trained sports anchors like Michael Wilbon, co-host of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption.
When it comes to celebrity and entertainment, few universities rival Northwestern’s star power. Emmy-winning actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, beloved for her roles in Seinfeld and Veep, is one of the school’s most iconic alumni. Other stars include Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, David Schwimmer of Friends fame, and Zooey Deschanel, actress and musician.
Northwestern is highly regarded for its strong programs in journalism (Medill School), engineering (McCormick School), communication, economics, law, and business. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, including the ability to combine majors across schools, is a hallmark of its academic culture.
Purple is Northwestern’s official color, and they take it seriously. From purple Fridays to purple pancakes at campus events, you’ll see school spirit everywhere. Even their marching band is called the “Wildcat Marching Band”—in purple, of course.
Yes, Northwestern is the only private university in the Big Ten Conference. Its athletic teams, known as the Wildcats, compete in NCAA Division I and are especially known for strong programs in football, basketball, and women’s lacrosse.
Yes! Northwestern’s Evanston campus has its very own lakefront beach, complete with views of the Chicago skyline. On warm days, students hang out, kayak, and even study by the water—because why not mix Lake Michigan with midterms?
Northwestern is highly selective, with an overall acceptance rate of around 7.5% for the Class of 2028. It offers Early Decision and Regular Decision application options and considers academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and personal fit in its holistic admissions review.
Yes, interdisciplinary learning is a core part of the Northwestern experience. Students are encouraged to pursue dual majors, minors, and certificates across different schools—such as combining economics with theater, or engineering with entrepreneurship.
Northwestern’s Evanston campus sits along the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering stunning views, beaches, modern academic buildings, and green open spaces. The campus combines a traditional collegiate feel with state-of-the-art research and arts facilities.
Tough call—but contenders include the Mime Troupe, “Waa-Mu Show” musical creators, and Humans vs. Zombies, a tag-style game played across campus. If it exists, Northwestern probably has a club for it—or will soon.