Study at Northwestern University – The Complete Guide 2026

On the shores of Lake Michigan, a twenty-minute train ride from downtown Chicago, lies a campus where students can, in a single day, attend a journalism lecture by a former CNN correspondent, intern at a Chicago startup in the afternoon, and perform in a play that will launch the next Tony Award winner in the evening. This isn’t your typical American university – this is Northwestern University, a place that for over 170 years has proven you don’t have to choose between STEM, humanities, and performing arts.

Northwestern is not a member of the Ivy League (technically, it belongs to the Big Ten athletic conference), but in terms of selectivity, educational quality, and career prospects, it plays in the same league as Harvard, Princeton, or Yale. Its acceptance rate has fallen below 6%, and the average SAT score for admitted students is 1510-1570. For an international high school graduate, this means Northwestern demands the same level of preparation as Ivy League institutions, but offers something many of them lack: a blend of the academic world with the vibrant job market of America’s third-largest city.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Northwestern: from its unique quarter system and strongest programs (Medill School of Journalism – #1 in the world, Kellogg School of Management – top 5 MBA globally), to costs, scholarships, the application process, and student life. If you’re considering studying in the USA and seeking a university that combines academic excellence with a truly vibrant city, Northwestern should be on your list.

Rankings and Northwestern’s Global Position

Northwestern consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the USA in the U.S. News & World Report – in the 2025 edition, it holds #9 place in the National Universities category. In global rankings, it appears slightly lower (QS World University Rankings 2025: #32, Times Higher Education: #24), primarily because international methodologies favor size and citation count, and Northwestern is relatively intimate for a research university.

However, Northwestern’s true strength shines in its subject-specific rankings. The Medill School of Journalism is the undisputed number 1 in the world for journalism and media – an absolute industry legend that has educated numerous Pulitzer laureates. The Kellogg School of Management consistently ranks among the top 3-5 global MBA programs (alongside Wharton, Harvard Business School, and Stanford GSB). The McCormick School of Engineering is in the top 20 in the USA, with exceptionally strong programs in materials science, biomedical engineering, and computer science. The Bienen School of Music is one of the best music conservatories in the country, and the fact that you can combine music studies with engineering or economics makes Northwestern truly unique.

For comparison with other top universities: Northwestern stands on par with the Ivy League in terms of selectivity and career prospects, but distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinarity. If you’re wondering which university is ‘best,’ read our article on Harvard, MIT, or Stanford, but remember that ‘best’ depends on what you’re looking for.

Programs and Schools – What Makes Northwestern Unique

Northwestern comprises six undergraduate schools, which is quite rare (most universities have one or two):

• Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences – the largest school, offering over 40 majors from economics and political science to physics and philosophy. Most undergraduates study here. Economics at Weinberg is one of the best programs in the country, with graduates regularly joining Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and top PhD programs.

• McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science – engineering at the highest level. Majors include: Computer Science (CS), Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering. McCormick is renowned for its Engineering Design and Innovation (EDI) program, one of the most innovative engineering programs in the USA, linked with IDEO. If you’re interested in the best technology universities in the USA, Northwestern deserves attention, especially in biomedical engineering and materials science.

• Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications – a legend. Medill is not just journalism; it also encompasses marketing, PR, strategic communication, and digital media. The IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) program at Medill is one of the most innovative in the industry. Medill graduates work at CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Google, and Meta.

• Bienen School of Music – a full music conservatory within a research university. You can study instrumental performance, composition, musicology, or jazz studies, while also taking courses at Weinberg or McCormick. This is a unique combination; most conservatories (Juilliard, Curtis) are standalone and don’t offer such interdisciplinarity.

• School of Communication – film, theater, performing arts, communication studies, sound design. Northwestern has educated an incredible number of actors, directors, and producers. Stephen Colbert, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Schwimmer, Seth Meyers, Zach Braff – all graduated from Northwestern. Its theater program is regularly ranked in the top 5 in the USA.

• School of Education and Social Policy – a smaller but highly regarded school, combining education with social policy.

Dual-Degree Programs – Something You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

One of Northwestern’s most distinctive features is its dual-degree programs, allowing students to earn two degrees in four or five years. Examples include:

• BS/BA in McCormick and Weinberg – engineering + social sciences/humanities
• BSM/BA in Bienen and Weinberg – music + any major
• BS/BM in McCormick and Bienen – engineering + music (yes, really!)
• Certificate programs in Medill – journalism as an additional specialization to any major

This means you can graduate from Northwestern with a degree in Computer Science and Music, or Biomedical Engineering and Economics. Virtually no other university at this level offers such flexibility.

The Quarter System – A Different Rhythm

Most American universities operate on a semester system (two semesters of ~15 weeks each). Northwestern uses a quarter system: the academic year is divided into three quarters of ~10 weeks each (fall, winter, spring), plus an optional summer quarter.

What does this mean in practice?

More courses, more variety. In a semester system, you typically take 4-5 courses per semester (8-10 annually). At Northwestern, you take 3-4 courses per quarter, but with three quarters, that’s 9-12 courses annually. This allows for greater exploration; it’s easy to add a minor or a certificate because you have more ‘slots’ for courses.

More intense pace. 10 weeks is short. Material that you’d spread over 15 weeks at a semester-based university must be covered in 10 here. This means midterms begin as early as week 3-4, and finals arrive quickly. The pace is relentless, but it teaches time management like nothing else.

Faster transitions. If a course isn’t a good fit, you’ve lost 10 weeks, not 15. If you discover a new passion, you can start pursuing it in the very next quarter. The system encourages experimentation.

It’s worth knowing that the quarter system can be stressful, and that’s an honest observation, not marketing. Northwestern students often say that ‘week 5 feels like week 10 at a normal university.’ If you’re someone who needs a slower pace, this is an important factor in your decision.

Cost of Attendance at Northwestern for 2025/2026

Let’s be honest: Northwestern is expensive. The official Cost of Attendance for 2025/2026:

Category	Amount (USD)
Tuition	~65,997
Room and Board	~12,600
Books and Supplies	~1,200
Personal Expenses & Travel	~5,000
Total	~84,800

Over $84,800 USD annually – for four years, that’s over $339,200 USD. This is an amount that for most international families is unattainable without financial aid. And here lies the crucial point…

Financial Aid – Realistic Expectations

Northwestern employs a need-aware policy for international students. What does this mean? Unlike MIT, which is need-blind for all applicants, Northwestern considers your financial situation when making admissions decisions. If you require full financial aid, your chances of admission are statistically lower than those of a candidate who can pay the full amount.

However – and this is an important ‘however’ – if you are admitted, Northwestern guarantees to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need. This means that if the admissions committee decides they want you at the university, you won’t have to pay more than your family can afford.

Specific data: approximately 60% of Northwestern students receive some form of financial aid. The average grant (scholarship that does not require repayment) for students receiving aid is about $64,000 USD annually. For families with an income below $75,000 USD annually, Northwestern typically covers all costs.

What you need to submit:

• CSS Profile (College Board) – a detailed financial aid form
• ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application) – if the CSS Profile is not available in your country
• Parents’ income documents – translated into English

Additional funding sources for international students: check out our detailed article on scholarships for studying in the USA and the guide to studying in the USA for free.

The Application Process – How to Apply to Northwestern

Northwestern uses the Common Application, which simplifies things if you’re applying to other US universities simultaneously. You don’t need to fill out a separate form (unlike MIT, which has its own portal).

Key Deadlines

Path	Deadline	Results
Early Decision (ED)	November 1	Mid-December
Regular Decision (RD)	January 2	Late March

Early Decision – Why It’s Crucial

Northwestern has one of the strongest preferences for Early Decision in the entire country. The statistics speak for themselves: approximately 50% of the entire class is admitted in the ED round. The acceptance rate for ED is significantly higher than for RD; it’s estimated to be around 20-25% for ED versus about 3-4% for RD (although Northwestern does not publish official breakdown data).

ED is binding: if you are admitted, you must commit and withdraw all other applications. This is an important decision that should be carefully considered. But if Northwestern is your dream school, ED significantly increases your chances.

Application Requirements

1. Common Application with a personal statement (650 words) – read our guide to application essays
2. ‘Why Northwestern’ essay – a ‘supplement’ specific to Northwestern. Why do you want to study here? Be specific: mention professors, programs, courses, traditions. Generic answers are immediately noticeable.
3. SAT or ACT – Northwestern requires standardized test scores. Median SAT for admitted students: 1510-1570. Prepare for the SAT exam with the help of okiro.io, which offers full practice tests with AI feedback.
4. TOEFL or IELTS – required for non-native speakers. Minimum TOEFL: 105+ iBT. Prepare with prepclass.io. Also check out our TOEFL guide.
5. Transcript – high school grades (transcripts translated into English)
6. Recommendation letters – 1 from your counselor + 2 from teachers
7. Extracurricular activities list – up to 10 activities in the Common App. Read our guide on building an applicant profile.

The “Why Northwestern” Essay – How to Write It

This is the most important part of the supplement. Northwestern wants to know that you understand what makes the university unique and that you have a concrete plan for how you will utilize its resources. A few tips:

• Be specific. Don’t write ‘Northwestern has great programs.’ Instead, write ‘I want to take JOUR 320-0 with Professor X because their research on algorithmic disinformation spread is exactly what I want to study.’
• Connect your interests with Northwestern’s uniqueness. Dual-degree programs, the quarter system, proximity to Chicago – these are elements that don’t exist together anywhere else.
• Refer to specific resources. Mention a lab, research center, student organization, or tradition.

Chicago – Northwestern’s Hidden Asset

Evanston, home to the main campus, is a peaceful town on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, but a 20-minute ride on the CTA Purple Line puts you in the heart of Chicago. And this is a huge advantage Northwestern holds over many Ivy League universities, which are often located in small towns (Dartmouth in Hanover, Princeton in Princeton, Cornell in Ithaca).

Internships and Jobs. Chicago is the third-largest job market in the USA, home to Boeing (relocating back), McDonald’s HQ, Citadel (a hedge fund), Baxter International, Abbott Laboratories, Morningstar, Groupon, and Grubhub. Northwestern has exceptionally strong internship programs linked with the Chicago job market; many internships take place during the academic year (which is easy when you have a 2-hour daily commute instead of a full day of travel).

Culture and Life. The Art Institute of Chicago (one of the best art museums in the world), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Second City (the legendary improv stage that launched Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Steve Carell), Steppenwolf Theatre. If you’re interested in the performing arts, Chicago is one of the best cities in the world.

Deep-dish pizza, jazz, and architecture. Chicago is a city with a unique identity, different from New York, different from LA. Its architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe), jazz and blues scene, and cuisine (from deep-dish to Michelin-starred restaurants). As a Northwestern student, you have all of this at your fingertips.

Lakeside Campus. Northwestern’s campus stretches along the shore of Lake Michigan, with its own beach, a joggers’ trail, and views of the Chicago skyline. In autumn, when the leaves change colors and the lake reflects the blue sky, it’s one of the most beautiful campuses in the USA.

Student Life – Big Ten, Greek Life, and Wildcat Traditions

Northwestern is the only Big Ten university with a truly elite academic profile, creating a fascinating combination: the relaxed atmosphere of a major football school with the rigor of a top-10 university.

Big Ten athletics. The Northwestern Wildcats compete in one of the most powerful athletic conferences in the USA. Football at Ryan Field (a recently reconstructed stadium), basketball, lacrosse – it’s the full experience of American college sports culture. Even if you’re not an athlete, games are an important part of social life.

Greek life. Approximately 35-40% of students belong to fraternities and sororities. This is more than at most Ivy League universities. Greek life at Northwestern is strong but not dominant; you can have a full social life without it. It’s a matter of choice, not necessity.

Dillo Day. The largest student-organized music festival in the USA, held annually in late May on the Lakefill (green spaces by the lake). Headliners have included Chance the Rapper, Lil Yachty, and T-Pain. It’s a legendary event that defines spring at Northwestern.

Dance Marathon (DM). A 30-hour dance marathon, the largest student fundraiser in the USA. Students raise millions of dollars for charitable causes. It’s not just an event – it’s a tradition that unites the entire campus.

Residential colleges. First-year students live in residential colleges, buildings that combine academic and residential functions. Each has its own community, events, and identity. This aids in adaptation, especially for international students.

Northwestern vs. Other Top Universities – A Comparison

If you’re considering Northwestern, you likely have other top universities on your list as well. Here’s an honest comparison:

Criterion	Northwestern	Duke	Georgetown	UChicago
US News 2025 Ranking	#9	#7	#22	#12
Acceptance Rate	~6%	~5%	~12%	~5%
SAT Median	1510-1570	1510-1570	1440-1540	1530-1570
System	Quarter	Semester	Semester	Quarter
Location	Evanston/Chicago	Durham, NC	Washington, DC	Chicago
Strengths	Journalism, Business, Performing Arts	Pre-med, Public Policy	IR, Law, Politics	Economics, Sciences, Philosophy
Greek Life	~35-40%	~35%	~25%	Minimal
Financial Aid (Intl.)	Need-aware	Need-aware	Need-aware	Need-blind!

Important note: UChicago (University of Chicago), also located in Chicago, is need-blind for international students, meaning your financial situation does not affect the admissions decision. If finances are crucial for you, UChicago might be a better choice. However, UChicago has a completely different atmosphere: more academically intense, less sports-focused, less artistic.

Realistic Chances for an International High School Student

Let’s be honest: getting into Northwestern as an international student is very difficult, but not impossible. Here’s what you need to have:

Required minimums:

• SAT: 1500+ (ideally 1530+) – practice on okiro.io with practice tests and AI feedback
• TOEFL: 105+ or IELTS 7.5+ – prepare with prepclass.io
• Excellent grades – ideally top marks, especially in subjects related to your intended major
• Strong extracurricular activities – focus on quality and depth, not just quantity. Read our guide on building your profile.
• Outstanding essays – especially the ‘Why Northwestern’ essay, which must be specific and personal

What distinguishes strong candidates:

• Achievements in journalism, media, debates (for Medill)
• Engineering projects, science olympiads (for McCormick)
• Significant musical/theatrical achievements (for Bienen/Communication)
• Interdisciplinarity – demonstrate that you combine various interests (this is Northwestern’s DNA)
• Internships, volunteering, personal projects – anything that shows initiative

Application strategy:

• Apply Early Decision if Northwestern is your first choice – this doubles (or more) your chances
• Submit your financial aid application, but be aware that need-aware means a more challenging path
• Simultaneously apply to universities with higher acceptance rates – check out our guide to the application process.

Need help with your application? College Council offers individual mentoring throughout the entire admissions process, from university selection to final essays.

Visas and Practical Matters

After being admitted to Northwestern, you will need an F-1 student visa. The university will issue Form I-20, which is the basis for applying for a visa at your local US embassy or consulate. We have described the entire process in detail in our guide to student visas.

A few practical tips specific to Northwestern:

• Orientation – International Student Orientation takes place a few days before general orientation. It helps with visa, banking, and cultural matters.
• Evanston campus is safe – it’s a quiet, affluent suburb of Chicago. However, it’s wise to know safety rules when using CTA (subway/bus) in Chicago.
• Climate – Evanston has brutal winters (temperatures drop to -15°C, and wind from Lake Michigan adds a chill factor). Be prepared for lake effect snow and polar vortex. Summers are warm and pleasant.
• Cost of living – Chicago is cheaper than New York or San Francisco, but more expensive than most cities in many countries. Beyond campus housing, food, transportation, and entertainment can add an extra $200-400 USD per month.

Read Also

• The US University Application Process – A Complete Guide for International Students
• Ivy League – The Elite League of American Universities
• How Much Does it Cost to Study in the USA – A Detailed Guide
• Scholarships for Studying in the USA for International Students
• Best University in the USA – Harvard, MIT, or Stanford?

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern University

Is Northwestern in the Ivy League?

No – Northwestern is not a member of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is a historic athletic conference of eight universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Penn, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell). Northwestern belongs to the Big Ten conference. However, in terms of selectivity (acceptance rate ~6%), quality of education, and prestige, Northwestern is on par with Ivy League institutions, and in fields such as journalism and performing arts, it significantly surpasses them.

What SAT score is needed for Northwestern?

The median SAT score for admitted students at Northwestern is 1510-1570. This means that 25% of admitted students score below 1510, and 25% score above 1570. For an international applicant, we recommend an SAT score of 1500+ as an absolute minimum, and ideally 1530+. Practice on okiro.io, which offers full SAT practice tests with AI feedback, and read our guide to the SAT exam.

How much does it cost to study at Northwestern, and are there scholarships for international students?

The total annual cost is approximately $84,800 USD. Northwestern is need-aware for international students, meaning that the need for financial aid can influence the admissions decision. However, once admitted, the university covers 100% of demonstrated need. Approximately 60% of students receive financial aid, and the average grant is about $64,000 USD annually. You can read more about funding in our scholarships guide.

What is Northwestern’s quarter system?

The quarter system divides the academic year into three quarters of approximately 10 weeks each (fall, winter, spring), plus an optional summer. Compared to a typical semester system, students take more courses annually (9-12 vs. 8-10), which allows for greater variety and exploration. The pace is more intense: midterms begin as early as week 3-4. The system fosters interdisciplinarity but requires good time management.

Is it worth applying Early Decision to Northwestern?

Absolutely, if Northwestern is your first choice. Approximately 50% of the entire class is admitted in the Early Decision round, and the acceptance rate for ED is significantly higher than for Regular Decision. However, ED is binding – if you are admitted, you must commit.

What are Northwestern’s strongest programs?

Medill School of Journalism (#1 in the world), Kellogg School of Management (top 5 MBA globally, influencing undergraduate business programs), McCormick School of Engineering (top 20, particularly strong in biomedical and materials engineering), Bienen School of Music (a top conservatory within a research university), School of Communication (film, theater, performing arts – top 5 in the USA). Economics at Weinberg is also one of the best programs in the country.

What is student life like at Northwestern?

Student life at Northwestern is incredibly diverse: Big Ten athletics (football, basketball), Greek life (35-40% of students), over 500 student organizations, legendary events (Dillo Day, the largest student music festival in the USA; Dance Marathon, a 30-hour charity marathon). The campus on Lake Michigan is one of the most beautiful in the USA, and its proximity to Chicago provides access to internships, culture, and entertainment. The atmosphere is ambitious but less competitive than at some Ivy League universities.

Is Northwestern a good choice for someone interested in journalism or media?

Absolutely – Northwestern with its Medill School of Journalism is the best choice in the world for aspiring journalists and media professionals. Medill is #1 in journalism rankings, with a legendary faculty (many with experience at CNN, NYT, WSJ), access to the Chicago media market, and a strong alumni network. The IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) program, in turn, is the best choice for those interested in digital marketing and strategic communication.