Northwestern University, established in 1851, is a prestigious private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. Known for its interdisciplinary approach and world-class faculty, Northwestern University USA offers over 100 programs and ranks consistently among the top 20 universities in the U.S.
Location: Evanston, Illinois, USA (with campuses in Chicago and Qatar)
Ranking: Ranked in the top 10–20 in the U.S. and among the top 50 worldwide (QS, THE Rankings).
Available Programs: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral programs across fields such as Liberal Arts, Engineering, Business, Journalism, Law, and Medicine.
Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s: 4 years
- Master’s: 1–2 years
- Ph.D.: 4–6 years
Application Time:
- Undergraduate: Early Decision deadline in November, Regular Decision in January.
- Graduate Programs: Vary by department, but generally in December–January for fall intake.
Study Areas: Program List
Northwestern offers a wide range of study areas across its 12 schools and colleges:
- Arts and Sciences
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering (McCormick School of Engineering)
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business (Kellogg School of Management)
- MBA
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Communication
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Theatre and Performance Studies
- Law (Pritzker School of Law)
- JD
- LLM
- Medicine (Feinberg School of Medicine)
- MD
- Public Health
- Biomedical Sciences
- Education and Social Policy
- Learning Sciences
- Human Development
- Other Specialized Programs
- Music (Bienen School of Music)
- Global Health Studies
- Integrated Marketing Communications
Admission Requirements for Northwestern University USA
Bachelor’s
- GPA: Competitive GPA (often above 3.5 on a 4.0 scale).
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+, or Duolingo 120+ (if English isn’t the first language).
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (test-optional for some programs).
Master’s
- GPA: 3.0+ or equivalent (varies by program).
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90+, IELTS 7.0+, or higher.
- GRE/GMAT: Required for some programs, particularly in business and engineering.
PhD
- GPA: Strong academic record in a related field.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90+, IELTS 7.0+.
- Standardized Tests: GRE (requirements vary by department).
Required Documents to Apply
- Application form (Common Application for undergraduates)
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- English proficiency scores (if applicable)
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT for undergraduates, GRE/GMAT for graduates if required)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Statement of Purpose or personal essay
- Resume/CV (for graduate programs)
- Portfolio (for specific programs like Art or Music)
- Financial documentation (for visa purposes)
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate: Approx. $64,887 per year (not including fees or housing)
- Master’s: Varies widely by program; around $50,000–$80,000 per year (e.g., MBA programs at Kellogg are around $78,276)
- PhD: Many PhD students receive funding covering tuition and a stipend
Living Expenses
Estimated annual living expenses in Evanston, IL:
- Housing: $10,000–$15,000
- Food: $3,000–$5,000
- Books and Supplies: $1,600
- Health Insurance: $4,000
- Transportation and Miscellaneous: $2,000–$4,000
Total Estimated Annual Cost: Approximately $20,000–$30,000
Why Choose This University?
Northwestern’s interdisciplinary programs, strong emphasis on research, and global reputation make it ideal for students looking for academic rigor and innovation. With access to Chicago’s vast professional network, students benefit from top-notch resources and career opportunities. The university’s small class sizes and strong mentorship also provide a personalized educational experience.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Prepare Early: Begin gathering documents and preparing for standardized tests well before deadlines.
- Highlight Unique Experiences: Northwestern values diversity, so emphasize unique backgrounds or perspectives in your application.
- Engage with Faculty: For graduate programs, reach out to potential faculty advisors to discuss your interests.
- Explore Scholarships and Aid: Northwestern offers need-based financial aid and some merit scholarships for international students.
Available Scholarships for International Students
- Northwestern University Scholarship: Need-based aid available to international students.
- Kellogg School of Management Scholarships: For MBA students, based on merit and need.
- External Scholarships: Students can also apply for scholarships like the Fulbright Program and other private scholarships.
FAQ about Northwestern University
Q1: Does Northwestern require SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate admissions?
Northwestern is test-optional for 2024–2025, but scores can strengthen an application.
Q2: Are there English-taught graduate programs available?
Yes, all programs are in English, so international students need to meet English proficiency requirements.
Q3: Is financial aid available for international students?
Yes, Northwestern offers need-based financial aid for international undergraduates, but funding for graduates varies by program.
Q4: Can international students work on campus?
Yes, international students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus.
Q5: What are popular majors for international students?
Popular areas include Engineering, Business, Journalism, Economics, and Communication.