Admissions and Test Scores
Acceptance Rate
7.15%
SAT Average
1,526
ACT Range
33-35
Northwestern University Acceptance Rate Trend
The current College Scorecard value in this local dataset is 7.15%. This means approximately 72 applicants were admitted per 1,000 who applied, based on the local dataset enrollment of 8,960 undergraduates. Historical year-by-year acceptance rate data will appear here after multi-year College Scorecard releases are imported.
Current dataset
7.15%
Current trend marker with historical import pending
Tuition, Net Price and Aid
| Metric | School value | Context | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Institutional accreditor where reported | Verify |
| In-state tuition | $65,997 | National avg: $20,567 | Verify |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,997 | National avg: $20,567 | Verify |
| Attendance cost | $87,804 | Use with aid and net price | Verify |
| Average net price | $27,143 | State avg: $15,478. National avg: $17,506 | Verify |
| Pell grant rate | 18.70% | Federal need-based grant indicator | Verify |
| Federal loan rate | 18.77% | Share using federal loans | Verify |
What Does Northwestern University Cost?
Total cost of attendance vs average net price after grants and aid, based on the local College Scorecard dataset.
Tuition
$65,997
Room and board
$20,334
Books and supplies
$1,686
Other expenses
$3,273
Fees and remainder
$0
Sticker price
$87,804
Average net price
$27,143
Average aid coverage
69%
$60,661 below sticker price on average
What You Pay
Based on available data, the average student at Northwestern University pays approximately $27,143 per year after grants and aid. This is above the Illinois average of $15,478 and above the national average of $17,506.
How Affordable Is Northwestern University?
Average net price after grants and scholarships, compared to Illinois and national averages.
Northwestern University net price
$27,143
Illinois average
$15,478
National average
$17,506
Northwestern University Tuition and Net Price Trend
The current imported dataset shows tuition at $65,997 and average net price at $27,143. A multi-year trend chart will appear here after historical College Scorecard release tables are imported.
Current tuition
$65,997
Current net price
$27,143
Current-year comparison is shown now; historical bars will replace this fallback once multi-year College Scorecard releases are imported.
Student Outcomes
Completion Rate (150% Time)
95.89%
Full-time, first-time students completing within 150% of normal time.
10-Year Earnings
$89,363
Undergraduates
8,960
10-Year Median Earnings - Northwestern University vs Peers
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Source: College Scorecard federal dataset.
Northwestern University graduates earn about 2.0x the national average 10 years after enrollment, based on schools with reported earnings data.
Who Attends Northwestern University?
Undergraduates
8,960
Completion rate
95.89%
Above national average; national avg: 52.02%
Pell recipients
18.70%
Below national average; national avg: 42.32%
Federal loan rate
18.77%
Below national average; national avg: 40.83%
Completion vs national average
Pell grant recipients
Federal loan usage
Financial Aid
About 18.70% of Northwestern University students receive federal Pell grants, indicating the share of students receiving this need-based aid in the local dataset. 18.77% take federal loans, which helps families understand borrowing patterns alongside net price.
Estimate Your Net Price at Northwestern University
Select a family income bracket to see the average net price students in that range paid. Data comes from College Scorecard income-bracket averages when available.
Estimated net price for :
This estimate is based on College Scorecard averages for students in this income range who received federal aid. Actual amounts vary. Use Northwestern University's official Net Price Calculator for a personalized figure.
Accreditation
Northwestern University lists Higher Learning Commission as its accreditor in the local dataset. Institutional accreditation is an important trust signal and can affect federal financial aid eligibility. Accreditation means an external agency has reviewed academic quality and institutional standards, which helps families verify whether federal aid pathways such as Pell grants and federal loans may apply.
Visit AccreditorCampus and Location
Northwestern University is listed at 633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208. Accreditor: Higher Learning Commission.
Compare Schools
Compare Northwestern University with nationally comparable peer institutions across acceptance rate, tuition, net price and 10-year earnings. Click any school name to open its full profile.
| School | Accept. rate | Out-of-state tuition | Avg net price | 10-yr earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 7.15% | $65,997 | $27,143 | $89,363 |
| University of Notre Dame - | Not available | Not available | Not available | $99,980 |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | 88.57% | $20,604 | $26,933 | $92,405 |
| University of Chicago | 4.79% | $66,939 | $18,967 | $91,885 |
| St. John's College-Department of Nursing | Not available | Not available | Not available | $86,331 |
Similar Schools in Evanston
This local cluster focuses on nearby Evanston schools, not national peers. Use it to compare local net price, acceptance rate and enrollment options around Evanston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?
Northwestern University's acceptance rate in the local dataset is 7.15%.
How much is Northwestern University tuition?
Northwestern University's out-of-state tuition in the local dataset is $65,997.
What is Northwestern University's average net price?
Northwestern University's average net price in the local dataset is $27,143.
What does Northwestern University cost for families earning under $30,000?
College Scorecard income-bracket data shows an average net price of $1,243 for Northwestern University students from families earning under $30,000. Actual costs vary; use the official net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is Northwestern University's average earnings 10 years after enrollment?
The local dataset reports 10-year median earnings of $89,363 for Northwestern University.
Is Northwestern University accredited?
Northwestern University's accreditor in the local dataset is Higher Learning Commission.
How many students attend Northwestern University?
The local dataset lists 8,960 undergraduate students at Northwestern University.
What percentage of Northwestern University students receive Pell grants?
The Pell grant rate for Northwestern University in the local dataset is 18.70%.
What is the federal loan rate at Northwestern University?
The federal loan rate for Northwestern University in the local dataset is 18.77%.
Where should I verify Northwestern University data?
Use this page for comparison, then verify admissions, tuition, net price and student outcomes directly with Northwestern University or the latest official federal education data.