THE BEST COLLEGES IN AMERICA 2023

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL http://northwestern.edu/

Awarded one of America’s Best Colleges

Anyone who stops by Northwestern University is sure to be impressed by its stellar academics and beautiful location on the shore of Lake Michigan. The long campus in Evanston, Illinois, is divided between the creative arts and journalism students on its south end and the engineering and pre-professional schools to the north. While Northwestern has the resources and size of a Big Ten school, it also fosters a feeling of community among its diverse student body of about 9,000 undergrads and 14,500 graduate and professional students.

Northwestern students apply their high-school overachiever work ethic to busy extracurricular and academic schedules, and the school's quarter system keeps them jumping from exam to exam. Majors include cognitive science, earth and planetary sciences, and German.

Much of the social life at Northwestern centers on the active Greek scene, as well as the attractions of downtown Chicago, which is a quick ride away on the L. But the winter weather can be a downside — you don't know wind chill until you've experienced a 15-below walk to class. Northwestern boasts a 94% graduation rate, and its students tend to do well on the job market after leaving school.

Costs

Est. full price 2023-2024: $87,900

% of students who get any grants: 57%

Est. price for students who receive aid: $32,200

Average price for low-income students: $8,900

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

Admissions

Acceptance rate: 7%

GPA: N/A

Median SAT/ACT score: 1520/35

SAT/ACT required?: No

Undergraduate enrollment: 8,690

Financial Aid

% of students with need who get grants: 98%

% of need met: 100%

% of students who get merit grants: 4%

Average merit grant: $5,960

Student Success

Graduation rate: 94%

Average time to a degree: 4.1 years

Median student debt: $15,000

Early career earnings: $85,800

% earning more than a high school grad: 86%

Notes: Prices reflect in-state charges for public universities. Students who get merit grants are full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants. Graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students. Early career earnings are the median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s, Money/Witlytic calculations.

Northwestern University tuition and fees

Estimated cost and due date

Tuition and fees at Northwestern University come to a total of $64,887. You’ll also need to factor in room and board, books, and living expenses while enrolled.

The due date for Fall is September 01, 2023, but it's always a good idea to check the university's official calendar or your student portal for any changes. Late payments may incur extra fees.

Feeling overwhelmed by the cost? That’s understandable – college can be expensive, but there are a variety of financial aid sources you can access, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Here's a brief overview of the available options; for a more comprehensive step-by-step, read our How to Pay for College guide.

Exploring financial aid options at Northwestern University

Scholarships and grants

The typical amount of grant aid for undergraduates at Northwestern University is $47,897, which is composed of awards from federal, state, local and college programs. The federal Pell Grant, which is given to those with lower incomes, is one of the most common sources of college aid. Approximately 19% of Northwestern University students receive a Pell Grant. To be eligible for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA.

State grants

Most US states have programs that help students pay for college. These scholarships are usually limited to residents who are attending a college in the state, but it’s worth double checking your home state’s eligibility rules. In Illinois, residents are eligible for the Monetary Award Program, among others.

University scholarships, aka institutional aid

Two types of financial support are typically available from universities: need-based grants are tied to financial requirements, and merit-based scholarships may be awarded based on qualities such as academic excellence, performance in the arts, or leadership. At Northwestern University, the majority (56%) of incoming students received an average scholarship of $48,023.

External scholarships

Don't forget to search for external scholarships too. There are many local organizations that provide scholarships to assist students with college costs, and some scholarships have year-round deadlines, so you can get funds after you've enrolled. Check out our guide on college grants and scholarships to find out more about the various types of gift aid.

Student loans

Federal student loans

Federal student loans are a popular way to finance educational expenses. These loans are provided by the government and feature low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans.

Private student loans

Private student loans are another option. These are offered by private lenders such as banks and credit unions, but their interest rates tend to be higher and the repayment options are usually less flexible.

How to pay tuition bills at Northwestern University

If you are awarded a loan, grant or scholarship, the funds will usually be sent directly to the university. Any remaining balance must be paid by you. Tuition payments can be made online at https://www.northwestern.edu/.

The information included in this page contains data published in university sites, government public records and other vetted sources as of June 23, 2023. Be advised to validate this information with the university registrar or financial office.

This content was created with the assistance of AI technology and has been reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Money's editorial staff.