Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
About Northwestern University
Northwestern is one of the country’s leading private research and teaching universities. It has two campuses located on Lake Michigan: the 240-acre main campus in Evanston, about 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, and a 25-acre campus in Chicago. The 4-year, medium-sized institution offers certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on a mostly residential campus.
A brief history
Upon opening for business in 1855, Northwestern University had only two academic staff and 10 students. It owes its existence to nine founders determined to create a university for the vast Northwest.
General information
Northwestern’s 12 colleges and schools are some of the most respected across the nation, including the Bienen School of Music, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Communication.
7%
1440 - 1550
32 - 35
3.7 - 4.0
Quick facts about Northwestern
- Undergrad degree: 4 year liberal arts
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: Small City Suburban
- Residential Status: Primarily on campus
- Number of Undergraduates: 8,327 (approx)
- Number of Freshman: 2,006 (approx)
- Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
Northwestern by the numbers
What is Northwestern's QS World University Ranking?
#31
What is Northwestern's US News Ranking?
#9
How many undergraduate fields of study does Northwestern have?
90
What is Northwestern's Student-Faculty Ratio?
6:1
What percentage of Northwestern students are international students?
17.1%
What percentage of Northwestern students live on campus?
60%
What is the median starting salary of Northwestern graduates?
53,000 USD
How many varsity sports teams are there at Northwestern?
19
How hard is it to get into Northwestern?
Very! Northwestern’s acceptance rate is around 9%.
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The 6 most popular majors
22% Economics
Northwestern's Economics Department owes its top reputation to its expert faculty, and its engaged students who take advantage of the learning opportunities afforded them.
7% Psychology
Northwestern's Psychology Department is one of the strongest and most prestigious in the United States. Students explore the workings of the human brain in reaction to environmental stimuli.
7% Political Science
Political Science is the study of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives. It entails understanding political ideas, ideologies, institutions and policies.
6% Journalism
At the Medill School of Journalism, reporting and writing are just the start. Students experiment with emerging media, explore global journalism and prepare to work in a changing media world.
5% Biological Sciences
Students majoring in Biological Sciences at Northwestern University are immersed in this environment of innovation and discovery.
4% Communications
Communication Studies is the perfect major for students with multiple interests and diverse talents because the discipline provides theory, tools, and techniques for analysing communication.
Virtual tour of Northwestern University
Notable alumni
The Northwestern Alumni Association fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between and among Northwestern University and its alumni through meaningful, diverse engagement opportunities worldwide. Among their graduates are 11 Nobel laureates, 38 pulitzer prize winners and a head of state. Notable alumni include Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, actor David Schwimmer, comedian Stephen Colbert and supermodel Cindy Crawford.
