Northwestern University Admission
Application Fee
$75
Graduate Application Fee
$95
Acceptance Rate
7.15%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
57.01%
Freshmen Enrollment
2,038
SAT Scores
1,530
For the 2022-2023 admission, a total of 51,261 students have applied and 3,695 students have allowed to admit to Northwestern University (Acceptance rate: 7.21%). Northwestern's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 55.16 % where 2,038 students have finally enrolled out of 3,695 admitted students.
Northwestern acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Illinois. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as University of Chicago and Duke University, its acceptance rate is average (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 7.33%).
Northwestern enrollment rate (yield) is higher (more admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Illinois. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 61.25%).
How to Apply to Northwestern University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Northwestern. Northwestern offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.northwestern.edu/admissions/ |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid | www.northwestern.edu/admissions/ |
| Net Price Calculator | https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/northwestern |
| Veterans Tuition | www.chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/veteran-resources/ |
| Athletic | https://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/records/enrollment-graduation-statistics/graduation-rates.html |
| Disability Service | www.northwestern.edu/accessiblenu/about-us/our-office/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Northwestern and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2023, the average SAT score at Northwestern University is 1,530 and the average ACT score is 34. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Northwestern University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,538). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 1,530 | 34 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,538 | 34 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Illinois | 1,124 | 70 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Northwestern University, 965 students submitted SAT scores (47% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,530 and it is extremely competitive scores than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Illinois. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 730 | 750 | 770 |
| Mathematics | 760 | 780 | 800 |
| Total | 1,490 | 1,530 | 1,570 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: December 11, 2023)
At Northwestern University, 638 students submitted ACT scores (31% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 34 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Illinois. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| Mathematics | 32 | 34 | 35 |
Northwestern Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Northwestern University. The school requires 5 items to submit - Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
4 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school rank, Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school rank | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |