Northwestern University
Campus Identity
Northwestern University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Evanston, IL. Approximately 9,201 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 8% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Michigan, just 6 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 41 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 48/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Northwestern University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Evanston, IL. Approximately 9,201 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 8% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Michigan, just 6 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 41 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 48/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Northwestern University is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a strong greek life Greek scene. The campus is 28 miles from Four Lakes.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Big Ten
Greek Life
Strong Greek Life
14% frats · 18% sororities
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
42°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Northwestern University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Four Lakes, 28 miles away with 7 lifts and 9 skiable acres. All are within 41 miles of campus.
Illinois
Illinois
Wisconsin
Lake Life Campus
Lake Michigan is 6 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Northwestern University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Michigan
Lake access within 6.2 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Evanston, IL
Evanston has a cool climate, with winters averaging 24°F in Jan and summers peaking around 73°F in Jul.
Station: CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Northwestern University in IL earns a composite safety score of 48/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $68,322 |
| Fees | $492 |
| Room & Board | $21,126 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $89,940 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
337 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northwestern University located?
Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL. The main campus address is 633 Clark St, Evanston, IL. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, making it extremely selective. Out of 49,474 applicants, 3,806 were admitted in the most recent year. 9,201 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Northwestern University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Northwestern University scored between 33 and 35 on the ACT, with a median of 34. About 23% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Northwestern University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Northwestern University charges $68,322/year in tuition. Including room and board ($21,126/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $60,768/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $29,167/year — what students actually pay. Use Northwestern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Northwestern University?
The undergraduate application fee at Northwestern University is $75. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Northwestern University have college sports?
Yes — Northwestern University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Big Ten. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Northwestern University the right fit for me?
Whether Northwestern University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (8% admit rate), avg net price ($29,167/year after aid), campus culture in Evanston, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Northwestern University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Northwestern University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Evanston, IL
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Big Ten
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 42°F avg
- App Fee
- $75
- On Campus Safety Score
- 48/100
- Nearest Airport
- Chicago/Prospect Heights/Wheeling, IL (PWK) · 12 mialso ORD (13 mi), MDW (19 mi)
Location
Evanston, IL