At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Northwestern University is a highly selective private research university on the shores of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois. It is distinguished by its top-ranked Medill School of Journalism, strong performing arts programs, and a quarter system that encourages academic breadth.
Mascot: Wildcat
Notable Alumni
Stephen Colbert (late-night TV host)•Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Emmy-winning actress)•George R.R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Safety
Northwestern University Police provides community patrols, the NUGuardian safety app, Safe Ride service, and electronic dorm access. Day-to-day risk is primarily limited to bicycle and scooter theft.
The neighborhoods near Northwestern's lakefront campus are among the safest in Evanston, though areas in south Evanston have higher crime rates.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
Similar Colleges
Find the right college for you
Explore 152 colleges by degree, filter by acceptance rate, SAT range, and more.
Explore Colleges