Northwestern University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Northwestern University has a retention rate of approximately 98% and an overall graduation rate of 94%, which measures the percentage of first-time students seeking bachelor's degrees who continue their studies at the institution in the following fall semester.

Northwestern University offers two main housing models: residence hall and residential colleges. The Residence halls provide students with all the necessary support for a fulfilling residential experience, while the residential colleges offer more opportunities for faculty engagement and programming.

F-1 students can work on-campus without authorization, but not for work-study positions. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. A social security number is required to work on campus.

Northwestern University requires proof of English proficiency for international applicants. However, the university accepts a variety of English proficiency exams, including TOEFL & IELTS. Scores must be from official test taken no more than two years prior to the intended quarter.

Northwestern University is dedicated to fostering a diverse campus community, including students from all financial backgrounds. To ensure that $75 application fee doesn’t create an obstacle for any student interested in applying, the university offers fee waivers to eligible applicants.

Northwestern University is a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate around 7%. The university receives a large number of applications each year from highly qualified students all over the world, making the admissions process highly competitive.

To apply to Northwestern University, students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) and two teacher recommendations. International students may also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Some of the most popular majors at Northwestern University include computer science, economics, journalism, psychology, and biology.Focus on research, innovation, and collaboration attracts students who are interested in pursuing academic and professional excellence across a broad spectrum of fields.

According to the QS World University Ranking 2025, Northwestern University ranked #=50 QS World University Rankings
 

Northwestern University has a long list of accomplished alumni across various fields. Some of the notable alumni include Zooey Deschanel, Hugh Hefner, David Schwimmer, George R. R. Martin, Pharrell Williams, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Charlton Heston and many more.