Northwestern University

Overview

Acronyms: NU

Founded: 1851

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #63

Rank in United States: #15

Motto: Quaecumque Sunt Vera

Colours: Purple and white

Mascot: Wildcat

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.

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.

How to apply to Northwestern University

What applying to Northwestern University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

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.

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

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.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign · Public · Rank #90

University of Rochester

Rochester · Private · Rank #200

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago · Public · Rank #225

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.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison · Public · Rank #75

University of California, Davis

Davis · Public · Rank #83

Universities Often 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.

The Ohio State University

Columbus · Public · Rank #66

CA

California Southern University

Irvine · Rank #82

TO

Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #245

MT

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut · Public · Rank #576

Rush University

Chicago · Private · Rank #600