Overview
Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a private research university located along Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, with an additional campus in downtown Chicago. It has grown into one of the nation's most prestigious institutions, consistently ranked among the top universities in the country, and is particularly celebrated for its Kellogg School of Management, Medill School of Journalism, Pritzker School of Law, and McCormick School of Engineering. Northwestern is a member of the Association of American Universities and is known for interdisciplinary research and strong ties to Chicago's business, media, and medical industries.
At a Glance
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Evanston, Illinois |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Total students | 22,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 7% |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Average starting salary | $75,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Room & board | $19,000 |
| Average financial aid | $58,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 50% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1500-1560 |
| ACT range | 34-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
| Regular deadline | January 3 |
Top Programs
- Business (Kellogg)
- Journalism (Medill)
- Engineering (McCormick)
- Theatre & Performance Studies
- Economics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.