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 .
Admissionwww.northwestern.edu/admissions/
Financial Aidwww.northwestern.edu/admissions/
Net Price Calculatorhttps://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/northwestern
Veterans Tuitionwww.chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/veteran-resources/
Athletichttps://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/records/enrollment-graduation-statistics/graduation-rates.html
Disability Servicewww.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 1,537). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
Northwestern SAT/ACT Scores and Comparison
SAT AverageACT Average
Northwestern University1,53034
Similarly Colleges in Rankings1,53735
All U.S. Colleges1,12368
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges1,13269
4-Years Colleges1,12468
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Illinois1,12470

SAT/ACT Scores by Subject

SATACT
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.
SAT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing730750770
Mathematics760780800
Total1,4901,530 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.
ACT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Composite333435
English353536
Mathematics323435

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.
Admission Requirements for Applying to Northwestern University
Secondary school GPAConsidered, if submitted
Secondary school rankConsidered, if submitted
Secondary school recordRequired
Completion of college-preparatory programRequired
RecommendationsRequired
Formal demonstration of competenciesNot Considered
Admission test scoresConsidered, if submitted
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)Required
Work experienceNot Considered
Personal statement or essayConsidered, if submitted
Legacy statusRequired