Northwestern University
Evanston, United States • Founded 1851 • World Rank #63
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1851, the Northwestern University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Evanston (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Illinois.
This institution also has branch campuses in Chicago, Doha, Washington DC and San FrancisCo. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Northwestern University (NU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Northwestern University (NU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 173-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
NU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Northwestern University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Northwestern University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
Below is the academic-unit breakdown for Northwestern University. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.
Unit 11 items
- Bienen School of Music
- Feinberg School of Medicine
- Kellogg School of Management
- Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
- Pritzker School of Law
- Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
- School of Communication
- School of Continuing Studies
- School of Education and Social Policy
- The Graduate School
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
Programs Offered
Below are Northwestern University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
402 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 85 programmes
Showing 10 of 85.
Master's Degree 137 programmes
Showing 10 of 137.
Doctorate 84 programmes
Showing 10 of 84.
Professional Doctorate 6 programmes
Certificate 24 programmes
Showing 10 of 24.
Postgraduate Certificate 42 programmes
Showing 10 of 42.
Other Programs 24 programmes
Showing 10 of 24.
How to apply to Northwestern University
What applying to Northwestern University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Northwestern University offers 402 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Northwestern University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Northwestern University's online portal at www.northwestern.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (847) 491 3741. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Northwestern University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Northwestern University?
The institution opened in 1851 (approximately 175 years ago).
Where is Northwestern University located?
Northwestern University is located in Evanston, United States.
Is Northwestern University public or private?
Northwestern University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Northwestern University?
Student enrolment at Northwestern University is around 15,000-19,999.
What is Northwestern University's ranking?
It ranks #63 globally and #15 in United States.
How is Northwestern University organised academically?
The institution comprises 11 academic units.
Is Northwestern University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
What is Northwestern University's official website?
You can find Northwestern University online at www.northwestern.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The leading universities in the United States are listed below — useful for sizing Northwestern University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United States typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Faculty mobility within Association of American Universities (AAU) networks often signals shared standards. Faculty members frequently move between Northwestern University and the institutions below over the course of careers.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Northwestern University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Liberal Arts programmes in the United States. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.
Universities Compared with Northwestern University
Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of Northwestern University sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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