Evanston, IL 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
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
Academics Snapshot
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
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.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$94,461
$69,404
$25,057
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$94,461for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Northwestern is $94,461. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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.
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 scholarships
Northwestern University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Northwestern need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Northwestern is 001739 and the CSS Profile Code is 1565.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Northwestern 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 has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you 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, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Northwestern University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Northwestern students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Northwestern University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Northwestern or have questions that are specific to your personal 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 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.
Admissions Snapshot
7%
35
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, applicants to Northwestern University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that 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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Northwestern University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT 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
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.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Northwestern?
Applying to Northwestern with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
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.
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.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
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 end up finishing 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?
10 years after starting school at Northwestern University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $89,363. This is $38,972 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Northwestern take out in loans?
Graduates of Northwestern have to 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, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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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