# Northwestern University

Evanston, IL. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/northwestern-university

Northwestern University is a private nonprofit college in Evanston, IL with 9,201 undergraduates. It admits 7.7% of applicants, and admitted students average 1533 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $34,420 per year ($1,427 for families earning under $30,000). 96% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $104,255 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 7.7% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 51,769 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 3,703 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 740–770 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 770–800 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 33–35 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $94,854 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $34,420 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $1,427 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $7,536 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $8,811 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $18,954 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $56,074 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 9,201 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 96% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $104,255 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,017 (FY2024) |

## What Northwestern University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Considered
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?**

Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 740–770 on SAT Reading and Writing and 770–800 on SAT Math; the average total is 1533.

**What ACT score do you need for Northwestern University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 33–35.

**Is Northwestern University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Northwestern University?**

In Fall 2023, 51,769 students applied to Northwestern University and 3,703 were admitted; 2,111 enrolled.

**Does Northwestern University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Northwestern University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Northwestern University require an essay?**

Northwestern University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Northwestern University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $94,854 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $34,420.

**What is Northwestern University's graduation rate?**

96% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 147767. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology