CAMPUS · EVANSTON, IL · PRIVATE

Northwestern University

7.1%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Northwestern University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

7.1%

of 51,769 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$89,363

across all majors

Northwestern University at a Glance

26,993

Total Enrollment

$15,000

Median Debt

19.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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

US News National Universities
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 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

Popular Majors at Northwestern University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Social Sciences

20.3%

Communication

11.3%

Engineering

11.0%

Psychology

8.6%

Biological Sciences

8.5%

Best Majors at Northwestern University →

Student Demographics

White

36.9%

Black/African American

6.7%

Hispanic/Latino

13.3%

Asian

20.6%

International

10.1%

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.

1525

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

7.1%

Acceptance Rate

51,769

Total Applicants

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

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

Early Decision: Northwestern University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Northwestern University is your clear first choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northwestern University

What is Northwestern's acceptance rate?

Northwestern has an acceptance rate of 7.1%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Northwestern?

The middle 50% SAT range at Northwestern is 1490-1560. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Northwestern?

The most popular majors at Northwestern by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (20.3%), Communication (11.3%), Engineering (11.0%), Psychology (8.6%), Biological Sciences (8.5%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to Northwestern?

Northwestern accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.