Northwestern University Acceptance Rate 2024/2025
Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a private research institution and one of the top universities in the United States with its main campus in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern University offers numerous undergraduate majors, and graduate and professional programs across its eleven schools.
The private research institution is one of the most applied-to institutions in the United States. It is also ranked as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Getting admitted into Northwestern University is tricky due to the high number of applicants and low acceptance rate.
Prospective students of Northwestern University must meet the admission requirements and familiarize themselves with Northwestern’s acceptance rate, admission process, and other conditions.
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Northwestern University Acceptance Rate 2024
Known as the percentage of applicants a college accepts in an admission year. Northwestern University’s acceptance rate is 7% for the undergraduate class of 2026. The institution accepts many domestic and international students, making the admission process more competitive.
Typically, international students experience lower college acceptance rates than domestic applicants. Furthermore, the acceptance rate for Northwestern University varies between colleges.
To boost your chances of getting accepted into Northwestern University, you need to understand how the institution accepts in-state and out-of-state as well as international students.
Northwestern University Acceptance Rate for Early Decision Applicants
Northwestern University’s acceptance rate for early decision applicants is 24%. Meaning for every 100 applicants 24 is accepted via Early Decision.
Northwestern University Acceptance Rate for International Applicants
According to the Northwestern University admissions website, international students have an acceptance rate of 10.5%. This can be attributed to the fact that fewer international students apply to Northwestern University than domestic students.
What GPA is required for Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. You must obtain an average GPA of 3.83 to get into Northwestern University, regardless of your field of study. To attain a GPA as high as this, you will need a good amount of As and Bs.
Although there are no fixed Northwestern University GPA requirements, to be considered a competitive applicant, you need a weighted GPA of 3.87 to 4.1.
Is SAT required for Northwestern University?
Northwestern University does not require you to take either take the SAT or ACT before getting accepted. However, students may still include that information on their application. If your SAT or ACT scores are at the top of the scale, consider submitting them to strengthen your Northwestern application.
What is the average SAT score for Northwestern University?
The average SAT score composite at Northwestern University is between 1460-1560 and an ACT of 33 to 35. Although there is no fixed Northwestern University SAT score requirement, falling within or above the average range is a great way to boost your chances of acceptance.
Breakdown of Northwestern University Acceptance Rate
In the Fall of 2022, Northwestern University received 51,554 applications for the class of 2026, out of which 3,608 was admitted representing a 7% acceptance rate. The university also received 3,420 transfer applications.
Also, the acceptance rate for international students was 10.5% with a number of the freshmen identifying as Asian, African-American, Hispanic, or Latino. These numbers are not related to the acceptance rate for Northwestern University, but they do show that Northwestern is a diverse campus.
Northwestern University Admission Process 2024
Northwestern University’s admission process varies depending on the level of education, programs offered, and nationality. However, candidates with a minimum of 3.8 GPA can apply to study at Northwestern University.
Also, note that Northwestern University’s GPA requirements tend to be higher for out-of-state students. The Northwestern University GPA requirements for non-residents state that these students must earn at least a 3.8 with no grades below a B.
Northwestern University Admission Timeline
The admission process starts in the fall season right before the year you want to join. Generally, the deadline for Northwestern University admission application is as follows.
- Early Decision applicants must apply by November 1.
- Regular Decision applicants must apply by January 2.
Documents Required for Northwestern University
To study at Northwestern University you must first and foremost meet the admission requirements. Thereafter, apply to the school before the application deadline. In addition to the general admission requirements, you must also meet the specific subject requirements.
Although the admission application process may vary for local and international students, some of the requirements may apply to both. Below are some of the general Northwestern University admission requirements:
- Completed Common Application.
- Official secondary school transcript and school report.
- At least one teacher recommendation
- SAT or ACT score, if available and you wish them to be considered, or other test results like PSAT, if available.
- TOEFL, IELTS, MET, or Duolingo, etc. scores (for non-native speakers of English)
- Official college transcripts (for high school students dual enrolled in a college or university).
Documents Required to Transfer Applicants
- Common Application
- Official university transcript(s) from all universities attended, must demonstrate at least one year of full-time undergraduate study
- Official secondary school transcript noting graduation
- College report
- Academic evaluation
- SAT or ACT score, if available and you wish them to be considered, or other test results like PSAT, if available.
- Official proof of English language proficiency (ONLY for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English)
Northwestern University Application Fee
Northwestern University has an application fee of $75 or a fee waiver for qualified students. You can make your payment either by credit card or by mail, just be sure to follow the instructions in the application.
Popular Majors at Northwestern University
The most popular majors among Northwestern University students are:
- Social Sciences
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Public Administration
Northwestern University Tuition & Fees
To study at Northwestern University you will need to spend a huge sum of money. The cost varies depending on the level of study, major or program, number of credit hours taken, and the school or college you wish to study. Some additional fees include incidental fees, educational supplies, accommodation costs, etc.
The undergraduate fee is $62,391.
Northwestern University Scholarships
There are a number of financial aid available to students studying at Northwestern University. These financial supports may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents, or professional interest.
Conclusion
The acceptance rate is an important factor to consider when seeking admission to Northwestern University. Also, understanding Northwestern University’s acceptance rate and admission requirement is important as it helps you to plan on how to pursue your program and make the right decisions.
