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Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois · Private · 9,201 undergrads

Northwestern admits 7.5% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), is test-optional for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 4, 2027.

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Can I get into Northwestern?

7.5% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1520–1560 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

52,648 applied, 3,933 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does Northwestern cost?

$34,420 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $94,854.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$1,427
$30,000–$48,000$7,536
$48,000–$75,000$8,811
$75,000–$110,000$18,954
over $110,000$56,074

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Northwestern's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Northwestern need the SAT or ACT?Optional

No.

Test-optional for fall 2027. 46% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1540 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admissions.northwestern.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

9,201
undergrads. Mid-size: plenty of people, and professors who can learn your name.
City
Campus setting in Evanston, IL.
98%
of first-years come back for year two.
88%
finish in four years. 96% within six.
$104.3k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$17k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Northwestern is on

Test-optional collegesColleges due Jan 4Deadlines after Jan 1Most selective in IllinoisColleges for a 34 ACTCheapest after aid, families under $30kCheapest after aid, families $48–75kColleges that meet full need

Questions people ask

Is Northwestern University test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. Northwestern is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on admissions.northwestern.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?
7.5% for fall 2025: 3,933 of 52,648 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1520 to 1560 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Northwestern University cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $8,811 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $94,854.
When is the Northwestern University application deadline for fall 2027?
Early decision closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 4, 2027. Checked on admissions.northwestern.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
Does Northwestern University have early decision?
Yes. 1,212 of 5,939 early decision applicants were admitted (20%) in fall 2025. Early decision is binding: if you're admitted, you go.