Northwestern University was founded in 1851 by John Evans and other prominent Chicago businessmen to serve the Northwest Territory. The university opened in 1855 with two faculty members and ten students, establishing itself as one of the oldest universities in the Midwest. Named to serve the former Northwest Territory, the institution has grown from a small Methodist college into one of the world's leading research universities with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, as well as Doha, Qatar.
Northwestern is renowned for its exceptional programs across multiple disciplines, particularly in journalism, engineering, business, law, medicine, and performing arts. The university's Medill School of Journalism, Kellogg School of Management, and Pritzker School of Law consistently rank among the top programs globally. As a member of the Big Ten Conference, Northwestern uniquely combines rigorous academic standards with Division I athletics, boasting one of the highest graduation rates among all NCAA Division I schools. The university's research output exceeds $900 million annually, placing it among the top research institutions in the nation.
Campus culture at Northwestern balances intense academic rigor with vibrant extracurricular engagement. Students benefit from the beautiful lakefront Evanston campus while enjoying easy access to Chicago's cultural and professional opportunities. The student body is highly accomplished, diverse, and collaborative rather than cutthroat competitive. Greek life is prominent but not overwhelming, and the university's theatrical productions, student publications, and entrepreneurial initiatives are nationally recognized. The combination of academic excellence, professional preparation, and school spirit creates a distinctive environment where students are equally likely to attend a Big Ten football game as a world-class musical performance.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Evanston, Illinois |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Total students | 22,603 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 7% |
| Graduation rate | 97% |
| Average starting salary | $73,000 |
| In-state tuition | $64,887 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $64,887 |
| Room & board | $20,208 |
| Average financial aid | $61,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 47% |
| SAT range | 1490-1570 |
| ACT range | 34-35 |
| Average GPA | 4.10 |
| Regular deadline | January 2 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.