Illinois Students: Northwestern University Admissions Insights

Northwestern University is a highly selective, private research university based in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in Chicago, Doha, Coral Gables, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The university's main campuses are situated along Lake Michigan in Evanston and Chicago.

Northwestern's acceptance rate is extremely competitive, with an average of 7% in recent years. The university received over 50,000 applications for the 2024-25 academic year and offered admission to approximately 3,695 applicants. The university's yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enrol—was 56% for the Class of 2027.

Northwestern University's acceptance rate

Northwestern University is a highly selective school with an acceptance rate that has remained below 9% over the last five years. For the class of 2028, the university received over 50,000 applications and the acceptance rate was around 7.5%. This is comparable to previous years, with the overall acceptance rate for the class of 2027 being around 7%.

The early decision acceptance rate for the class of 2027 was higher, at 22.5%. This means that Northwestern plucks approximately 50% of its incoming freshman class from the early decision round.

The university's selectivity has increased significantly over the last few decades. In 1993, 42% of applicants were accepted, while in 2009, the acceptance rate was 27%.

Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in downtown Chicago, Coral Gables, San Francisco, Doha, and Washington, D.C. It was established in 1851 and is the oldest chartered university in Illinois. The university has a strong academic reputation and is home to several top academic programs. It is also known for its successful athletics programs, with 19 intercollegiate athletic teams competing in the NCAA Division I.

The university's yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll—was 56% for the class of 2027, slightly lower than in previous years.

The admissions process at Northwestern is holistic, with various factors considered "very important" in the evaluation process. These include a student's GPA, high school class rank, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and essay. Standardized test scores are considered but are not required for admission.

Northwestern University's selectivity and low acceptance rate reflect its reputation as a highly competitive and prestigious institution.

Northwestern University's academic programs

Northwestern University offers a wide range of academic programs for students at every level, from undergraduate to graduate and professional programs. The university is composed of eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Here is an overview of some of the notable academic programs offered by Northwestern:

Undergraduate Programs

Northwestern provides a vast array of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences is one of the largest schools, offering a liberal arts curriculum that encompasses fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and interdisciplinary areas of study. The university also has schools dedicated to specific areas, such as the School of Communication, School of Education and Social Policy, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and the Bienen School of Music.

Graduate Programs

Northwestern offers a diverse range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees. The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science combines analytical thinking with creativity in engineering and computer science. The Kellogg School of Management focuses on building leadership skills through premier management education. The Feinberg School of Medicine offers patient-focused and research-based medical training, including an MD program and joint degree programs. The School of Professional Studies provides part-time learning experiences with renowned faculty members.

Professional Programs

Northwestern also offers professional programs that cater to specific career paths. The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law provides a rigorous and supportive community for law students. The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications equips students with the skills to navigate and create dynamic multimedia landscapes. The School of Communication explores the full range of human expression through theatre, dance, filmmaking, audiology, and cognition. The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science offers professional master's programs, while the School of Education and Social Policy has a certificate program in Civic Engagement.

Global Campuses

In addition to its main campuses, Northwestern has expanded its reach globally with campuses in Doha, Qatar, and San Francisco. The Northwestern in Qatar campus offers a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications. This expansion allows students from diverse backgrounds to access Northwestern's renowned academic programs and fosters a truly international learning environment.

Northwestern University's location

Northwestern University (NU) is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Evanston is a suburb just north of Chicago. The university's main campus is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Evanston campus spans 231 to 240 acres and is characterised by a blend of modern and historic gothic architecture.

In addition to the Evanston campus, Northwestern has campuses in downtown Chicago, Coral Gables, San Francisco, Doha, and Washington, D.C. The university's Chicago campus is located in the Streeterville neighbourhood near Lake Michigan. The Doha campus was opened in 2008 and is situated in Education City.

The Evanston campus is served by the Chicago Transit Authority's elevated train, known as the Purple Line, which runs through Evanston. The Foster, Davis, Noyes, and Central stations are all within walking distance of the campus. The Evanston Davis Street and Central Street Metra stations also serve the Northwestern campus. Additionally, the Pace Suburban Bus Service and the CTA have bus routes that run through or near the Evanston campus.

Northwestern's Evanston campus is home to the undergraduate schools, the Graduate School, and the Kellogg School of Management. The campus runs north-south from Lincoln Avenue to Clark Street, west of Lake Michigan along Sheridan Road. The North Campus houses the fraternity quads, athletics facilities, the Technological Institute, Dearborn Observatory, and various other buildings. The South Campus is home to the humanities and music buildings, the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, and the sorority quads.

In the 1960s, Northwestern expanded the Evanston campus by filling in a portion of Lake Michigan, adding 84 acres to the campus. The Lakefill, as it is known, is now home to several buildings, including the University Library, the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, the Regenstein Hall of Music, Norris University Center, and various athletics facilities.

Northwestern University's tuition and fees

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in Chicago, Doha, Coral Gables, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, and its tuition and fee structure can vary depending on several factors.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the tuition for undergraduate students at Northwestern University is $67,158. However, it's important to note that this amount does not include additional fees and expenses. The total estimated expenses, including fees, books, housing, food, and transportation, are approximately $94,878.

The tuition fees at Northwestern University are charged on a quarterly basis. The tuition for each quarter is $21,629 for full-time students, which is defined as those taking 3 to 5.5 units per quarter. Students who register for fewer than 3 units per quarter are considered part-time and are charged $7,690 per unit. Additionally, there are various mandatory and optional fees that students need to pay, such as the Associated Student Government (ASG) Activity Fee, the Athletic Events Fee, and the Student Health Fee.

The cost of attendance at Northwestern University can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. The university provides estimated amounts for these expenses. For instance, the estimated cost for housing and meals is $20,334 per year, while the estimated cost for books and supplies is $1,686 per year. Personal expenses can vary significantly from student to student, with an estimated average of $1,905 per year.

It is worth noting that Northwestern University is committed to making its education accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds. The university offers need-based financial aid, and most undergraduate students receive financial assistance. In fact, the majority of students do not pay the full price, and over 60% receive a financial aid package from the university. Northwestern's need-based financial aid awards do not include loans, aiming to eliminate debt as a barrier to higher education.

Northwestern University's notable alumni

Northwestern University has produced a plethora of notable alumni across a wide range of fields, including:

Politics and Government:

• Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago, White House Chief of Staff, and US Ambassador to Japan
• John Paul Stevens, former US Supreme Court Justice
• Adlai Stevenson, former Illinois Governor and two-time Democratic presidential nominee
• Jerry Springer, former mayor of Cincinnati and host of the Jerry Springer Show
• George McGovern, former US Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential candidate
• Pramila Jayapal, US Representative from Washington
• Robert Todd Lincoln, former US Ambassador to the UK and Secretary of War
• William Jennings Bryan, former US Secretary of State and three-time Democratic presidential nominee

Business:

• Ginni Rometty, former executive chairman, president, and CEO of IBM
• Jay Robert Pritzker, Governor of Illinois and member of the wealthy Pritzker family
• Divya Narendra, CEO and co-founder of SumZero
• Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the NBA's Chicago Bulls and MLB's Chicago White Sox
• Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers
• Andrew Mason, founder and former CEO of Groupon
• David Kabiller, founder of AQR Capital Management

Entertainment:

• Stephen Colbert, Emmy Award-winning comedian and host of The Late Show
• Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers
• David Schwimmer, Emmy Award-nominated actor known for his role as Ross Geller in Friends
• Zooey Deschanel, actress known for her roles in New Girl and 500 Days of Summer
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress known for her roles in Seinfeld and Veep
• George R. R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire, the book series adapted into the TV show Game of Thrones
• Hugh Hefner, founder and editor-in-chief of Playboy magazine
• Laura Linney, actress known for her roles in The Truman Show and Love Actually
• Marg Helgenberger, actress known for her role as Catherine Willows in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
• Patricia Neal, Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in The Day the Earth Stood Still and Hud
• Saul Bellow, Nobel Prize-winning novelist
• Claude Akins, actor known for his role as Sheriff Lobo in the TV series B.J. and the Bear
• Ana Gasteyer, actress and former cast member of Saturday Night Live
• Craig Bierko, actor known for his roles in The Music Man and The Thirteenth Floor
• Karen Black, Academy Award-nominated actress known for her roles in Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces
• Zach Braff, actor known for his role as J.D. Dorian in the TV series Scrubs
• Dermot Mulroney, actor known for his roles in My Best Friend's Wedding and About Schmidt
• Billy Eichner, actor, comedian, and star of Billy on the Street
• Garry Marshall, creator of Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Mork & Mindy
• Robert Reed, actor known for his role as Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch
• Anthony Randall, actor known for his role as Felix Unger in The Odd Couple
• Paul Lynde, actor known for his role as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched
• Richard Kind, actor known for his roles in Mad About You and Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Ana Gasteyer, actress and former cast member of Saturday Night Live
• Kathryn Hahn, actress known for her roles in Step Brothers and Our Idiot Brother
• Lily Rabe, actress known for her roles in American Horror Story and The Merchant of Venice
• Jeri Ryan, actress known for her role as Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager
• Robert Knepper, actor known for his role as Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell in Prison Break
• Megan Mullally, actress known for her role as Karen Walker in Will & Grace

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