Northwestern University Acceptance Rate
Northwestern University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Northwestern University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 730 | 770 | 750 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 790 | 775 |
| SAT Total | 1490 | 1560 | 1525 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 51,769 |
| Students Admitted | 3,703 |
| Students Enrolled | 2,111 |
| Yield Rate | 57.0% |
Northwestern University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #9 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #37 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #32 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #30 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | #12 | #11 | #10 | #9 | #9 | #9 | #10 | #9 | #9 |
US News National Universities: #12 (2016) → #9 (2025) ↑ 3 spots
Northwestern University Admissions Overview
Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL with 26,993 students. With a 7.1% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Communication, and Engineering.
| Full Name | Northwestern University |
| Location | Evanston, IL 60208 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | northwestern.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 26,993 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 10,210 |
| Female Students | 54.7% |
Is Northwestern University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 7.1%, Northwestern University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Northwestern University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Northwestern University True Cost by Family Income
19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Northwestern enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $1,764 | $7,056 |
| $30-48k | $6,099 | $24,396 |
| $48-75k | $7,898 | $31,592 |
| $75-110k | $18,282 | $73,128 |
| $110k+ | $48,777 | $195,108 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $20,334 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $91,250 |
Want to see how Northwestern University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at Northwestern University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
How to Get Into Northwestern University
Northwestern is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1525+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Northwestern wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Northwestern University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Northwestern University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
Northwestern University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Northwestern University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 3 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
See Northwestern University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwestern University
Other Colleges in IL
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Northwestern University is not affiliated with NextColleges.