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UNITED STATES · EVANSTON

Northwestern University

private · Founded 1851 · Languages: en

In short

Northwestern University is a private research institution with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research, strong career development, and student well-being.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1851
Students: 15,000
International students: 3,800
Acceptance rate: 7%
Tuition (intl): €58–65k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Evanston, United States

Northwestern University is a private research institution located in Evanston, Illinois, with an additional campus in Chicago. Established in 1851, it is dedicated to interdisciplinary scholarship and research, fostering an environment where students and faculty collaborate across various fields to address complex global challenges. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its numerous schools, including Communication, Engineering, Journalism, Law, Management, and Medicine. Northwestern emphasizes a connected research ecosystem, providing advanced facilities and extensive support to move ideas from discovery to real-world impact. Students at Northwestern benefit from a robust academic environment complemented by strong career development services. The university's commitment to innovation and comprehensive support aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various industries and academic fields. With a focus on impactful research and a supportive community, Northwestern seeks to develop scholar-technologists capable of pushing boundaries in their chosen disciplines. The university's location near Chicago offers students access to a vibrant urban environment while maintaining a distinct campus experience. Northwestern is known for its strong career prospects, particularly for its law graduates, and its dedication to student well-being through services like Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which provides mental health support at no charge.

Why study here

Engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research across various fields, supported by a strong research ecosystem.
Benefit from comprehensive career services, including personalized advising, job/internship postings through Handshake, and career treks to visit organizations.
Access a wide range of academic programs, including highly-ranked schools in Communication, Engineering, Journalism, Law, Management, and Medicine.
Receive mental health support and counseling services through CAPS, available at no charge to all full-time students.
Explore diverse student life opportunities, including numerous groups and activities, within a vibrant academic community.

Student life

Northwestern University provides a rich student life experience, with opportunities for involvement in numerous groups and activities across its campuses. Students can explore residential colleges, engage with faculty-in-residence, and connect with a supportive community through Residential Services. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free mental health support, including individual and group therapy, workshops, and referrals to ensure student well-being. The university also emphasizes career development, offering programs like Career Treks and the Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) to support professional growth and connect students with alumni and industry professionals.

Fees

InternationalUndergraduate tuition is approximately $63,000 per year (2025-26). Room, board, and fees add roughly $22,000 per year, bringing total cost of attendance to approximately $85,000. Graduate and professional program fees vary significantly by school — Kellogg MBA and Pritzker Law carry higher tuition. Need-based and merit aid is available.

HomeFor undergraduate domestic applicants, Northwestern University offers need-blind admissions, meaning financial circumstances do not impact the admission decision. A variety of financial aid options are available, including loan-free aid for demonstrated need. Tuition and fees for graduate programs vary significantly by school and program.

LivingEvanston offers a moderately priced college-town setting. Students should budget approximately $1,200–$1,800/month for living expenses. The Chicago campus places students in one of the most expensive US cities, where costs can exceed $2,500/month.

Tuition and fees for all programs are subject to change annually. Specific details regarding tuition by program are available through the university's Data Book, and for graduate programs, on individual school and program pages.

Admissions

UndergraduateCommon Application or Coalition Application, high school transcripts, SAT/ACT (optional), counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, essays.

GraduateVaries by program; typically GRE/GMAT, transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation.

TOEFL iBT100+

IELTS Academic7.0+

Duolingo English Test120+

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202642

US News National Universities9

Times Higher Education World University Rankings24

US News Best Grad Schools — Journalism1

University scholarships

Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP)Varies — need-based grant for unpaid internships

Doctoral Student FundingAssistantships and fellowships; varies by program

Graduate Professional Program ScholarshipsPartial scholarships; varies by program

QuestBridge National College MatchFull four-year scholarship for high-achieving low-income students

Accreditation

Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) educational program is one of the largest and oldest accredited P&O training institutions in the country. Kellogg School of Management is AACSB-accredited. Pritzker School of Law is ABA-accredited. Feinberg School of Medicine is LCME-accredited.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Northwestern University · United States

Advanced Mechatronics

This advanced course focuses on the practical design and prototyping of mechatronic systems. You will learn to create functional prototypes using tools like laser cutters and 3D printers, and gain hands-on experience with embedded computing, software control, and electronic design. The course covers essential skills such as designing, soldering, and debugging printed circuit boards (PCBs), and understanding digital communication protocols like SPI, I2C, and USB. It is open to both graduate and qualified undergraduate students from all disciplines.

Northwestern University · United States

Astronomy PhD

The Astronomy PhD program at Northwestern University offers comprehensive training in astronomy, with a strong emphasis on enabling students to commence graduate research early in their studies. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to supplement their astronomy coursework with subjects from physics and other quantitative fields like applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering, tailored to their specific research interests. Students benefit from the dynamic research environment fostered by the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Exploration in Astrophysics (CIERA).

Northwestern University · United States

Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

The PhD program in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University is designed to train highly capable researchers and innovators in the field. The program focuses on interdisciplinary scholarship and preparing students for cutting-edge research and development. Admissions are offered exclusively for the fall term. The department emphasizes a rigorous academic environment combined with opportunities for students to explore research beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Northwestern University · United States

Computer Science Minor

The Computer Science Minor is designed for students pursuing a degree in another field who wish to gain a stronger understanding of computational ideas and their implementation. This minor provides foundational knowledge essential for computer scientists and introduces students to key subfields within the discipline. It streamlines the requirements of the major by reducing the number of breadth courses and omitting technical electives and project work. Both McCormick and Weinberg students can complete this minor, though specific math course requirements may vary to align with each school's curriculum.

Northwestern University · United States

Demographics and Technology Diffusion: Evidence from Mobile Payments

This research paper, 'Demographics and Technology Diffusion: Evidence from Mobile Payments,' investigates how the age composition of a population influences the adoption of new technologies. Using data from India's mobile payment sector and a leading bank, the study found that younger adults are more inclined to use mobile payments compared to traditional methods like cards. This age-driven preference appears to be a significant factor, often outweighing other consumer characteristics. The research suggests that businesses serving younger demographics may see higher adoption rates for new technologies. To further validate this, the study analyzed merchant adoption data, confirming that businesses in areas with younger populations were more likely to adopt mobile payment technology. The findings indicate that an aging population could potentially hinder the spread of financial innovations.

Northwestern University · United States

Development and validation of a unidimensional domain-specific entrepreneurial self-efficacy scale

This research focuses on the development and validation of a specific scale to measure entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). The goal is to create a tool that accurately assesses an individual's belief in their ability to successfully create and manage a new business. The scale is designed to be unidimensional, meaning it focuses on a single core aspect of self-efficacy relevant to venture creation. It is specifically validated using individuals who are in the early stages of starting a business (nascent entrepreneurs), as this is when self-efficacy is considered most crucial.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate costs for international undergraduate students at Northwestern University?

For the 2025-26 academic year, undergraduate tuition is approximately $63,000 per year. Room, board, and fees add about $22,000, bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to $85,000 annually. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Does Northwestern University offer financial aid for international students?

Yes, need-based and merit aid is available for international students in graduate and professional programs. Undergraduate international students should refer to specific program details for aid availability, as the provided information focuses on domestic need-blind admissions.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 100+, an IELTS Academic score of 7.0+, or a Duolingo English Test score of 120+. Specific program requirements may vary, so it is advisable to check with the individual department.

What are the main campuses of Northwestern University and their characteristics?

Northwestern has two main campuses in Illinois: Evanston, offering a traditional university setting on Lake Michigan, and Chicago, a major urban campus housing professional schools. Both offer access to distinct environments and opportunities.

What kind of career support does Northwestern University provide?

The university offers robust career development services, including personalized advising, job and internship postings, and career treks. This support aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles across various industries and academic fields.

Last updated 3 July 2026