Northwestern University Tuition, Acceptance Rate and Admissions (2026)

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Graduate degree · College Scorecard data · Updated September 10, 2026

In-State Tuition$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition$68,322
Acceptance Rate8%
Average SAT1533

Northwestern University vs. State and National Averages

Northwestern UniversityIL AverageNational Average
In-state tuition$68,322$18,678$18,082
vs. average—+266%+278%

Outcomes and student profile at Northwestern University

Median earnings 10 years after enrolling$89,363
Graduation rate (within 150% of normal time)95%
Median debt among graduates who borrowed$15,000
Undergraduates receiving Pell grants19%
Undergraduates aged 25 and over3%
First-generation students15%

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. Earnings and debt figures cover students who received federal financial aid.

FAQ

What is the tuition at Northwestern University?

In-state tuition at Northwestern University is $68,322 and out-of-state tuition is $68,322, according to College Scorecard data.

What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?

The acceptance rate at Northwestern University is 8%.

How hard is it to get into Northwestern University?

With an acceptance rate of 8%, Northwestern University is selective among U.S. colleges.

What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?

The average SAT score for admitted students at Northwestern University is 1533.

How big is Northwestern University?

Northwestern University enrolls about 9,201 undergraduate students. The student-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Is Northwestern University expensive?

In-state tuition at Northwestern University is $68,322, which is 266% above the IL average of $18,678.

How much do graduates of Northwestern University earn?

Median earnings ten years after enrolling at Northwestern University are $89,363 a year, according to College Scorecard.

How much debt do students at Northwestern University take on?

The median debt among Northwestern University graduates who borrowed is $15,000, according to College Scorecard.