About

University Type

Private

University Type

US News National rank

6

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$55,493

Average Living Expenses

Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb north of Chicago. Founded in 1851, Northwestern is one of the Big Ten Conference's founding members and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". Northwestern University has an enrollment of 21,000 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. The university is particularly strong in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and business.

What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?

The Northwestern University acceptance rate is 7.2%.

Northwestern has three campuses: the main campus in Evanston, the Chicago campus, and the Lake Forest campus. The main campus is home to the majority of the university's academic programs, as well as its residential colleges. The Chicago campus houses the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Kellogg School of Management, and the Medill School of Journalism. The Lake Forest campus is home to the School of Communication. The cost of attendance at Northwestern University for international students can cost upwards of $62,391 (INR 51,73,118).

Northwestern University's faculty have received Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, Yidan Prizes, Guggenheim Fellowship, MacArthur Fellowship, and many other accolades. Northwestern University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #10 in National Universities.

Northwestern is a vibrant and diverse community. The student body is made up of students from all over the world, and the university offers a wide range of student organizations and activities. Northwestern is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art and the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

What is the Northwestern University minimum GPA Requirement?

Northwestern University's recommended GPA requirements are between 3.9-4.0. To be competitive, you should aim for a GPA of 3.9 or higher.

Top Reasons to Study in the Northwestern University

Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at Northwestern University USA. Here are some of the top reasons:

  • Strong academic programs

Northwestern offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which are taught by world-renowned faculty.

  • Diverse student body

Northwestern is home to students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.

  • Strong research opportunities

Northwestern is a leading research university with more than 90 school-based centres and more than 50 University research centres.

  • Active student life

Northwestern has various student organizations and activities, allowing students to get involved in the community.

  • Beautiful campus

Northwestern's campus is located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb with tons to offer. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and tree-lined paths.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will get to learn and explore at Northwestern University. To know more, visit https://yocket.com/universities/northwestern-university-814

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Cost of Studying at Northwestern University

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$89,321

Average living expenses (Masters)

$55,493

Admissions at The Northwestern University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

7%

Application Fee

$50 - $100

How to Apply at Northwestern University

Northwestern University is particularly strong in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and business, all of which are taught by renowned faculty. Here is how to apply to Northwestern University:

  • Check application deadlines: Checking the application deadlines is elemental before applying, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting admitted to Northwestern.

QuestBridge Applicant

Early Decision Applicant

Regular Decision Applicant

Transfer Applicant

  

Application Due Date

September 26, 2023

November 1, 2023

January 3, 2024

March 15, 2024

Financial Aid Due Date

September 26, 2023

December 1, 2023

February 1, 2024

March 15, 2024

Decision Release

December 2023

December 2023

March 2024

Begins May 2024, ongoing

Meet the eligibility requirements: Northwestern University has several eligibility requirements for international students. 

  • You must have completed a rigorous secondary school education.
  • You should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1540 SAT or a 35 ACT. 
  • You should also have a 4.1 GPA or higher. 
  • You must also submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Gather the required materials:

  • Official transcripts from your high school.
  • English proficiency scores.
  • Standardized test scores.
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Request for an interview.
  • Pay the application fee of 50-125 USD (4,133 INR to 10,333 INR)  and submit your application.

Documents Required to Apply to Northwestern University

Documents needed to apply to the Northwestern University as an international student:

Undergraduate Programs:

Document

Description

High School Transcripts

Official transcripts from all high schools attended.

Standardized Test Scores

SAT or ACT scores and/or TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for non-native English speakers.

Teacher Recommendations

Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers.

Personal Statement

Essay explaining the student's interest in the program and how it aligns with their academic and career goals.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee.

Graduate Programs:

Document

Description

Bachelor's Degree Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

Standardised Scores.

GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT scores depending on the program. Submit TOEFL and IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

Letters of Recommendation

Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

Resume or CV

Detailed resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic and work experience.

Statement of Purpose

Essay outlining the student's academic and professional goals and how the program aligns with them.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee.

Fulfilling all these guidelines will bring you a step closer to your dream of studying at Northwestern University.

Exams Accepted By Northwestern University

Northwestern University accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and DUOLINGO test scores from international students as proof of English proficiency. Northwestern also requires students to submit SAT/ACT and GRE scores.

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Rankings for The Northwestern University

US News Ranking

#6

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#31

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#50

QS World University Rankings

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Students Northwestern University

875

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360

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6,794

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International Students

% of international students in the university

25

Total International Students in the university

5500

Alumni at Northwestern University

If you are wondering who are the famous alumni from Northwestern University, peruse the list of some notable alumni below

  • Zooey Deschanel is an actress, singer, and songwriter. She is known for her roles in the films "Elf", "(500) Days of Summer", and "New Girl".
  • Hugh Hefner was the founder and publisher of Playboy magazine. He was also a television personality and actor.
  • David Schwimmer is an actor best known for his role as Ross Geller on the sitcom "Friends".
  • George R. R. Martin is the author of the fantasy novel "A Song of Ice and Fire", which is the basis for the HBO series "Game of Thrones".
  • Pharrell Williams is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his hits such as "Happy" and "Get Lucky".
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an actress known for her roles in the sitcoms "Seinfeld" and "Veep". She has won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, more than any other actor.
  • Warren Beatty is an actor, director, and producer. He is known for his films such as "Bonnie and Clyde", "Shampoo", and "Dick Tracy".
  • Charlton Heston was an actor known for his roles in films such as "Ben-Hur", "The Ten Commandments", and "Planet of the Apes".
  • John Heilemann is a political journalist and author. He is the co-host of the podcast "The Daily" and the co-author of the book "Game Change".
  • Pramila Jayapal is a politician who serves as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 7th congressional district. She is the first Indian-American woman elected to Congress.

Just like these exceptional people, you can too become part of Northwestern University’s alumni association, by fulfilling your dream of studying there through Yocket’s assistance!

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Reviews for Northwestern University

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
3

Campus locations
Illinois

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Transportation in the city

Evanston, Illinois has a good public transportation system, with three agencies serving the city:

  • Metra

It is a regional rail system that connects Evanston to downtown Chicago and other nearby suburbs. The Metra UP-N line has a stop in Evanston at Davis Street.

  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

It is the city's bus and rapid transit system. The CTA Purple Line has stops in Evanston at Central, Noyes, Foster, Davis, Dempster, Main, and South Boulevard.

  • Pace

It is a suburban bus system that serves Evanston and the surrounding area. Pace buses connect Evanston to downtown Chicago, O'Hare International Airport, and other points in the region.

In addition to public transportation, Evanston is also a walkable and bikeable city. There are many bike lanes and trails throughout the city, and it is easy to get around without a car.

Services offered by the university

Northwestern University offers a wide range of services to its students. Some of the most notable services include:

  • Academic advising

Northwestern has a team of academic advisors who can help students with course selection, degree planning, and other academic matters.

  • Career services

Northwestern's career services office provides students with resources to help them find internships, jobs, and graduate schools.

  • Financial aid

Northwestern offers financial aid programs to help students pay for their education, through grants and scholarships.

  • Health services

Northwestern has a student health centre that provides medical, dental, and mental health care to students.

  • International student services

Northwestern provides support to international students, including help with immigration paperwork, cultural adjustment, and language learning.

  • Transportation

Northwestern offers a shuttle bus system that transports students around campus and to off-campus destinations.

  • Technology support

Northwestern provides students with access to computers, printers, and other technology resources.

All these are some basic services provided by Northwestern University. But there are also some special services offered for international, disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.

Student life at Northwestern University

Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at Northwestern University:

  • Student organizations

There are over 500 student organizations at Northwestern University, so there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in academics, athletics, arts, or anything else, you will be able to find a group that you can connect with.

  • Athletics

Northwestern University is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic program. The school offers 19 varsity sports for men and 19 varsity sports for women.

  • Arts and culture

Northwestern University is home to several cultural organizations, including a symphony orchestra, a theatre company, and a dance company. There are also many art galleries and museums in Evanston and Chicago.

  • Off-campus life

Evanston is a vibrant suburb with a lot to offer students. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops in town, and it is easy to get to Chicago by public transportation.

These are just a few factors that make Northwestern University’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.

On campus accomodation at Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers a variety of on-campus housing options for students, including:

  • Residence halls

These are traditional dormitories that offer a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads. Residence halls typically have shared bathrooms and common areas.

  • Residential colleges

These are smaller, more intimate communities that offer a more personalized living experience. Residential colleges typically have their own dining halls, libraries, and other amenities.

  • Apartments

Northwestern also offers a limited number of apartments for upperclassmen and graduate students. Apartments usually have private bedrooms and bathrooms, and some have kitchenettes.

  • Housing Costs

The average cost of housing for undergraduate students is \$12,000 (INR 9,94,974) per year, while for graduate students it is \$13,000 (INR 10,77,888) per year.

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Faculty Information

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FAQ

1. What is the acceptance rate for Northwestern University?

The acceptance rate at Northwestern University is around 7%, making it a highly competitive institution to gain admission to.

2. What is the average tuition fee for studying at Northwestern University?

 The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Northwestern University is approximately $56,000, while for graduate programs, it varies between $45,000 and $55,000, depending on the course and department.

3. What is the minimum GPA requirement for admission to Northwestern University?

The minimum GPA requirement for admission to Northwestern University varies by program. However, a competitive applicant typically has a GPA of 3.9 or above on a 4.0 scale.

4. What is the average cost of living for students at Northwestern University?

The estimated cost of living for students at Northwestern University is around $18,000 to $20,000 per year, including housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.

5. What are the top courses offered by Northwestern University?

Northwestern University offers a wide range of top courses in various fields. Some popular ones include Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Journalism, Communication, and Performing Arts.

6. What is the typical range of fees for these top courses?

The fees for these top courses at Northwestern University vary depending on the program and department. They generally range from $45,000 to $55,000 per year for graduate programs and around $56,000 per year for undergraduate programs.

7. Are there local job opportunities available for students at Northwestern University?

Yes, there are plenty of local job opportunities for students at Northwestern University. Students can find part-time jobs on campus or off-campus in the surrounding area, including retail, hospitality, research, and administrative roles.

8. Does Northwestern University offer internships to its students?

Northwestern University provides numerous internship opportunities for students through its academic departments, the Career Advancement Office, and the Northwestern Network. These internships allow students to gain practical experience in their field of study and help them develop professional connections.

9. What are the eligibility criteria for Northwestern University?

Northwestern University requires a strong academic record, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and high English proficiency and standardised scores.

10. How many Indian students are at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University has a total enrollment of 21,000 students, out of which 454 students are from India as of Fall 2023.