Overview
From Northwestern
Northwestern is an education about “you” in a community that prides itself in “we.” Northwestern’s inclusive and collaborative culture is due in large part to our particular combination of six undergraduate schools (arts & sciences, engineering, communication, journalism, music, education & social policy), 200+ programs of study, 4,700+ undergraduate courses, and a quarter system that provides students the flexibility to dive deep while investigating other areas of interest, all without overwhelming themselves.
Our location in Evanston, IL, is the quintessential intersection of college town and big city, combining a beautiful lakeside campus with a vibrant college town and one of the world’s great cities, Chicago, just a few miles south.
We are deeply committed to making a Northwestern education possible for students from all financial backgrounds. We meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students and award loan-free financial aid packages so our students graduate with little to no debt. We aim to remove barriers throughout the application process and offer fee waivers to students for whom the application fee poses a hardship. Northwestern can be an affordable option for your family.
Events & Resources
Quest + (First Gen & Low-Income Network)
The Quest Scholars Network (QSN) has a two-fold mission: to create a welcoming community of QuestBridge-affiliated students on campus and to help provide advocacy and opportunities to low-income and first-generation students at Northwestern University.
Student Enrichment Services
Student Enrichment Services (SES) partners with first-generation, low-income, and DACA/undocumented students to foster identity development, navigate campus resources, and build community. Through campus-wide partnerships and advocacy, SES strives to build an inclusive Northwestern community that is welcoming, supportive, and accessible for all students.
University
City
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From Northwestern
Northwestern remains fiercely committed to making the undergraduate experience accessible to students from all backgrounds. We have one of the largest financial aid programs of any private university in the world, allowing us to meet 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated financial need with loan-free aid packages. Support doesn’t stop once our students arrive on campus, either. From our campus-based Student Enrichment Services office, which supports first-generation, lower-income, and/or DACA/Undocumented students, to the student-led Rural and Small Towns Collective, Northwestern prides itself on making campus a more equitable place for all.
Scholarships Overview
From Northwestern
No matter your financial circumstances, Northwestern’s goal is to reduce cost as a barrier to higher education. Our commitment to affordability begins with need-based financial aid that meets 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need. At Northwestern, financial aid awards are not loans—there’s nothing to pay back. This year, we will award over $250 million to undergraduate students. On average, approximately half of undergraduates received a Northwestern University Scholarship.
To see an early estimate of what your loan-free financial aid package might look like if admitted, we have two options: MyinTuition and our Net Price Calculator.
$94,461
$69,404
$25,057
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$94,461The sticker price at Northwestern is $94,461. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Northwestern would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Northwestern University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Northwestern you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Northwestern is 001739 and the CSS Profile Code is 1565.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at Northwestern
Illinois residents considering Northwestern should be sure to look into the MAP program. In-state students who demonstrate financial need can qualify for MAP grant money from the state as long as the program is on the list of approved colleges. The program can pay up to $8,400 per year towards your education. Approved schools include both public and private options.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Illinois scholarshipsNorthwestern University QuestBridge Scholarships
Northwestern is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Northwestern University through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Northwestern University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Northwestern meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Northwestern
Northwestern is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Northwestern's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Northwestern University? Northwestern offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Northwestern's website for more information!
Pell Grants at Northwestern University
21% of students at Northwestern University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Northwestern. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Northwestern University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Northwestern, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/
- Phone: 847-491-7400
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From Northwestern
Northwestern is test-optional for Fall 2025 applicants, and submitting your personal statement is optional. However, we have a Northwestern Supplement with one required essay and optional essays. We strongly encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two of our five optional essay prompts.
7%
35
1510
1510 is the median SAT score and 35 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Northwestern. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Northwestern is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Northwestern via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Northwestern have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Northwestern University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Northwestern's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Northwestern Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Northwestern test-optional?
Northwestern University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Northwestern University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Northwestern University receive between a 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1465 and a 1570 on their SAT.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Northwestern?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Northwestern University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Decision I
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Northwestern?
Students must apply by January 3 to enroll at Northwestern during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Northwestern students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
Is Northwestern University need-blind?
Yes, Northwestern University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
6:1
Graduation Rate
97%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Communications & Journalism
16%
16% of graduates
Social Sciences
15%
15% of graduates
Engineering
14%
14% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
8%
8% of graduates
Psychology
6%
6% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
5%
5% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
4%
4% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
8,837
Pell Grant 18%
Undergrad Students Over 25 3%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 3%
Percent Male / Female 46% / 54%
Ethnic Diversity at Northwestern
37% White
21% Asian / Pacific Islander
14% Hispanic
10% International / Non-Citizen
7% Multiracial
7% Black
3% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From Northwestern
Northwestern alumni pursue paths in a variety of fields. From chemists at 3M, start-up and tech enthusiasts at LinkedIn and Google, or non-profit leaders at places like NPR or Teach for America, there are a number of paths where graduates can find fellow Northwestern alumni. Our wonderful alumni are happy to assist students through internships, informational interviews, and mentorship.
Our alumni include members of royalty, like Meghan Markle, and even those who create their
own kingdoms, like George R. R. Martin did when he wrote Game of Thrones. You are sure to
also see various alumni in front of the camera, like Michael Wilbon (ESPN Commentator), and Emmy Award-winning actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Being located near Chicago offers many career opportunities for our students, whether SESP students getting jobs at Chicago Public Schools to summer internships at Pepsi’s Chicago headquarters that lead to post-graduation employment.
For the Class of 2023, 44% started their careers in Illinois. And within 6 months of graduating, 96% of students were pursuing meaningful post-graduate plans. Out of that 96%, 70% were employed and 25% were enrolled in graduate or professional school or participating in a fellowship.
Graduate Income
$89,363
Median Debt $15,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $159
Graduation Rate 97%
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University?
97% of students who start at Northwestern University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 39% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Northwestern University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Northwestern University is $89,363. This is $38,972 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Northwestern University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Northwestern take out in loans?
Graduates of Northwestern take out a median of $15,000 in federal student loans. This is $1,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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