7.7%
Acceptance Rate
$68,322
Avg Cost (In-State)
$68,322
Avg Cost (Out-of-State)
95.5%
Graduation Rate
9,201
Total Enrollment
What they weigh most
Source: Common Data Set
Popular programs
Application requirements
Regular Deadline
January 2
Early Deadline
November 1 (Early Decision)
Common App
Yes
Test Policy
Test Optional
Essays Required
2
Letters of Rec
2
Application Fee
$75
Interview
Available
Essays: One Common App essay (650 words) plus one Northwestern-specific supplemental essay explaining why Northwestern (300 words)
Note: Interview is optional but recommended; counselor recommendation required in addition to two teacher recommendations
Requirements are AI-generated from public data and may change. Always verify directly with the college.
Getting there
Graduate outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
$39,485
Median Earnings at 6 Years
median graduate salary 6 years after starting
$47,021
Median Earnings at 10 Years
median graduate salary 10 years after starting
44%
4-Year Graduation Rate
students completing degree within 4 years
Earnings data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Figures reflect federal aid recipients only — actual median earnings may be higher at schools where many students receive grants rather than loans.
Earnings by major
Median earnings 1 year after graduation, by bachelor's program. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard FieldOfStudy data.
| Program | Median earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $84,932 | $126,006 | 178 |
| Journalism. | $50,426 | $80,258 | 117 |
| Psychology, General. | $44,088 | $73,646 | 97 |
| Political Science and Government. | $54,737 | $73,231 | 76 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | $24,611 | $51,471 | 70 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | $35,334 | $54,279 | 67 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | $19,245 | $49,316 | 64 |
| Computer Science. | $99,981 | $155,106 | 63 |
Tracked through federal tax records. Programs with fewer than 30 graduates with reported earnings are privacy-suppressed. 4-year figure tracks the same cohort 3 years later.
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