Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private Nonprofit
*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →
Payback is under a year because aid brings the net price for this income band to $5,849/yr, while graduates earn a median $80,033.
Should I apply to Northwestern University?
Enter your SAT or ACT score to see where you stand.
What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?
Down 1.3 percentage points since 2018
With a 7.1% acceptance rate, Northwestern University is considered extremely selective. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.
How many students apply to Northwestern University?
Northwestern University received 51,769 applications in 2023, up 28% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.
How many admitted students enroll?
The yield rate of 57% is strong for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.
What are the most popular majors at Northwestern University?
Economics leads as the most popular major at Northwestern University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.
How have majors changed over time?
Degrees awarded by major, 2015–2024
How has tuition changed at Northwestern University?
Tuition has increased by 30% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 30% from $57,108 to $74,356.
How much do Northwestern University graduates earn by major?
Graduates in Information Science/Studies earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $83,546 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.
Median two years after graduating, for graduates of each program — not the same measure as the headline earnings figure above, which covers everyone who enrolled, ten years after starting. Source: College Scorecard field-of-study file, June 2026.
What do Northwestern University graduates actually earn?
The median tells one story, but outcomes vary widely. Here's the full range of earnings 10 years after enrollment for graduates of Northwestern University.
Earnings range for graduates 10 years after enrollment. The green bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile). Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release.
How do Northwestern University earnings grow over time?
Median earnings from 1 year after completion through 11 years after enrollment. Early-career earnings show what graduates earn soon after graduating, while later years reflect career growth and advancement.
Do Northwestern University earnings vary by family income?
Median earnings of graduates grouped by their family income when they enrolled. Research shows family income can influence post-graduation outcomes through networking, unpaid internship access, and career choice flexibility.
Gender earnings gap at Northwestern University
Median earnings comparison between male and female graduates. The gap reflects differences in major choice, industry, and broader labor market patterns — not necessarily pay discrimination for the same role.
Northwestern University Admissions Statistics (2015–2023)
Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.
| Year | Applicants | Admitted | Rate | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 51,769 | 3,703 | 7.1% | 57.0% |
| 2022 | 51,261 | 3,695 | 7.2% | 55.2% |
| 2021 | 47,636 | 3,321 | 7.0% | 62.8% |
| 2020 | 39,263 | 3,654 | 9.3% | 52.0% |
| 2019 | 40,585 | 3,673 | 9.0% | 54.6% |
| 2018 | 40,425 | 3,422 | 8.5% | 56.4% |
| 2017 | 37,259 | 3,442 | 9.2% | 55.3% |
| 2016 | 35,100 | 3,743 | 10.7% | 53.0% |
| 2015 | 32,122 | 4,190 | 13.0% | 48.2% |
Is Northwestern University worth it?
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What do Northwestern University graduates earn?
Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $16,800 while the top 10% earn $173,600. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.
How much does Northwestern University cost?
The total cost of attendance at Northwestern University is approximately $74,356 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.
What You'll Actually Pay
Net price is what aided families paid after grants and scholarships, averaged within each income band. Your own cost depends on income, assets and the school's aid policies, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families because of generous institutional aid.
These averages cover only students who received federal financial aid — a Pell Grant, a federal loan or work-study. Families who pay their own way are not included, so the higher brackets understate what a full-paying family is billed. The "no aid" row is the published cost of attendance.
What are the top majors?
- 1 Economics
- 2 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Information Science/Studies
Which majors pay the most?
- Information Science/Studies $83,546
- Computer Science $98,403
- Applied Mathematics N/A
- Industrial Engineering $79,849
- Economics $73,035
Who attends Northwestern University?
Northwestern University enrolls 23,203 students, with 21% from outside the United States. Women make up 55% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.
How much financial aid is available?
54% of students receive some form of financial aid at Northwestern University. About 19% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.
How much do professors earn?
Faculty salaries at Northwestern University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.
Compare Northwestern University
What schools are similar to Northwestern University?
Page updated 2026. Admissions and cost figures are the latest IPEDS release (2023); earnings are College Scorecard median 10-year post-enrollment, June 2026 release. Sources: IPEDS, College Scorecard.