---
title: Northwestern University — PickACampus
description: Explore Northwestern University admissions data, including its 8% acceptance rate, $68,322 tuition, 1533 average SAT, and #7 PickACampus ranking.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/11
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a private institution located in Evanston, Illinois, with a total enrollment of 9,201 students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. Ranked #7 on PickACampus, the university maintains an 8% acceptance rate and a 95% graduation rate. Admitted students average a 1533 SAT or 35 ACT, with graduates earning a median starting salary of $76,844.

## Overview
- Location: Evanston, IL
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 9,201

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Average SAT: 1,533
- Average ACT: 35
- Average GPA: 4.10

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $68,322
- Out-of-state tuition: $68,322
- Room and board: $21,126
- Fees: $1,802
- Average financial aid: $49,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $15,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 95%
- 4-year graduation rate: 83%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 93%
- Average starting salary: $76,844

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Average class size: 18
- Classes under 20 students: 74%

## Notable
["Northwestern has a beautiful lakeside campus situated on Lake Michigan.","The university's mascot is Willie the Wildcat.","Northwestern is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference.","The Kellogg School of Management is one of the world's top business schools."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Dillo Day","description":"The largest student-run music festival in the nation, held annually in May."},{"name":"Painting The Rock","description":"Students paint a large rock on campus to promote events or express messages."},{"name":"Primal Scream","description":"Students gather at midnight before finals to collectively scream away stress."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Stephen Colbert","description":"Host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"},{"name":"Julia Louis-Dreyfus","description":"Emmy-winning actress known for Seinfeld and Veep"},{"name":"George R.R. Martin","description":"Author of A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones)"},{"name":"Seth Meyers","description":"Host of Late Night with Seth Meyers"},{"name":"Meghan Markle","description":"Duchess of Sussex, former actress"}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?
A: Northwestern University's acceptance rate is 8%.

Q: How much does Northwestern University cost?
A: Tuition at Northwestern University is $68,322 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Northwestern University located?
A: Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?
A: The average SAT score at Northwestern University is 1,533.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University?
A: Northwestern University has a 6-year graduation rate of 95%.

Compare Northwestern University with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/11