Northwestern University, founded in 1851, is a leading research university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago. Known for journalism, law, and performing arts, Northwestern blends rigorous academics with creative expression. The university's Medill School of Journalism and Kellogg School of Business are globally renowned. Northwestern's research spans nanotechnology, neuroscience, and theater arts.
The lakefront Evanston campus and downtown Chicago facilities provide diverse learning environments. Northwestern's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration fuels innovation. Alumni include Emmy-winning actors, Pulitzer journalists, and Fortune 500 CEOs. With robust financial aid and a vibrant campus life, Northwestern offers a transformative education at the intersection of intellect and creativity.
Northwestern University Acceptance Rate
Northwestern University is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 7.15%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Northwestern University values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Northwestern University Admission Requirements
Northwestern University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Northwestern University is 3.92. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.62 and 3.92, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Northwestern University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Northwestern University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.92, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.92 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.72 – 3.91 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.52 – 3.71 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.51 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Northwestern University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Northwestern University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Northwestern University Average SAT Score: 1526
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Northwestern University is 1526 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1526 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1560 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Northwestern University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1490, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Northwestern University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 775 | 760 | 790 |
| SAT Reading | 750 | 730 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1526 | 1490 | 1560 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1490 then you are below most of the admitted students at Northwestern University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1560 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into Northwestern University with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Northwestern University are good but the admission staff at Northwestern University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Northwestern University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Northwestern University is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Northwestern University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 36 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Northwestern University with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Northwestern University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.Northwestern University Profile
Name: Northwestern University
City: Evanston
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 60208
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Northwestern University, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Can I Get Into Northwestern University Without SAT Or ACT?: Northwestern University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from Northwestern University Worth It?
Getting into Northwestern University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Northwestern University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Northwestern University is USD: 81811.63 and unemployment rate is 3.05%.
How much does a degree from Northwestern University Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Northwestern University is USD: 87804. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Northwestern University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
18.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 18.77 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Northwestern University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Northwestern University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Northwestern University as your choice in the form.
How much a Northwestern University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 89363. An average Northwestern University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Northwestern University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1514 | 34 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1500 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Northwestern University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1534 | 34 |
| Williams College | Williams College, MA | 1527 | 34 |
| Washington University in St Louis | Washington University in St Louis, MO | 1530 | 34 |
| Dartmouth College | Dartmouth College, NH | 1533 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Northwestern University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Architecture and Related Services
- Area Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwestern University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $89363 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $87804 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Northwestern University is 7.15 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.92. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.62, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.62, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.62 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.52 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Northwestern University if my GPA is below 3.52
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.92, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Northwestern University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1526 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1490-1560
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Northwestern University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.