Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+
Northwestern University has a 7.0% acceptance rate. Northwestern University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Evanston, IL, with a median SAT of 1540 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $29,167 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
7.0%
52,225 applicants
1540
Combined score
34
Composite score
$29,167
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Northwestern University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | 1480 | 1540 | 1570 |
| ACT (composite, 1–36) | 33 | 34 | 35 |
95.5%
98.1%
$89,363
9,201
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Northwestern University:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $1,764 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $6,099 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $7,898 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $18,282 |
| $110,000+ | $48,777 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 347 |
| Social Sciences | 340 |
| Communication & Journalism | 310 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 247 |
| Computer & Information Sciences | 231 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 177 |
| Psychology | 125 |
| Public Administration & Social Services | 101 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 55 |
| Physical Sciences | 34 |
Official website: https://www.northwestern.edu/
Admissions: https://www.northwestern.edu/admissions/
Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 7%. it received about 52,225 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1540; the average net price is $29,167 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Northwestern University for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into Northwestern University is highly competitive — it admits 7% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1540. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Northwestern University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at Northwestern University typically have a median SAT around 1540 and a median ACT around 34. With a 7% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at Northwestern University is $29,167 per year after grants and scholarships. about 60% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $55,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. its first-year retention rate is 98%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $89,363. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Northwestern University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, Northwestern University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1540. With a 7% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Northwestern University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
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