

Northwestern University: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
- Private University
240 acre campus
- Estd. 1851
Northwestern University Ranking 2026
When it comes to the NWU University rankings, according to Shiksha, Northwestern University has an overall rank of #14 in the USA and #29 in the world. Shiksha Popularity Rankings also ranked Northwestern University courses that are listed below-
| Northwestern University Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| LLM | #32 | #13 |
| MSN | #270 | #105 |
| MA | #38 | #19 |
| MFA | #23 | #6 |
| Others PG | #36 | #17 |
| MBA or PGDM | #13 | #10 |
| MS | #61 | #25 |
| BE or BTech | - | #17 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from the Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. It ranks Northwestern University at #42 in 2026. Northwestern University ranking stood at #7 as per US News in 2026 and #30 by THE in 2026, globally.
#29
#14
Northwestern University Courses
Northwestern University offers degrees, certificates, and diploma programs in majors like Business & Management Studies, Engineering, IT & Software, Science, Design, Medicine & Health Science, Humanities, Mass Communication & Media, Arts, Data Science, Law, Education, Accounting, and Nursing. The university consists of 12 schools and colleges. These are mentioned below:
| Northwestern University Schools and Colleges | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | School of Communication | School of Education and Social Policy | McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science |
| The Graduate School | Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications | Northwestern Pritzker School of Law | Kellogg School of Management |
| Feinberg School of Medicine | Bienen School of Music | School of Professional Studies | Northwestern in Qatar |
Northwestern University Popular Programs
The University offers more than 200 courses at the UG and PG levels to its Indian and domestic students. Some popular Northwestern University Programs among Indian students are mentioned below:
- MS in Machine Learning and Data Science
- MS in Computer Science
- MS in Information Systems
- Northwestern University MBA
- BA in Psychology
Northwestern University Online Courses
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies offers several online PG, UG, and certification courses. These can be pursued in areas like Data Science, Global Health, Information Systems, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, and Leadership.
Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
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Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Courses Favorite Among Indian Students at Northwestern University
Northwestern University's popular courses among Indian students form journalism, marketing and communications, engineering, and business. Programs of merit with regard to academic excellence and career options constitute the aforementioned.
Strong reputation credentials in these fields of trade conglomerate numerous foreign students from India who seek quality education along with firm placement opportunities.
Northwestern University Provides with MS in Informational Technology Courses (MSIT) which is industry-focused and is inclined towards training and preparing students for strategic and technology-driven leadership roles. The programme focuses on foundational computing core subjects and specialised electives like Cybersecurity, Data analytics, Database Management, Artificial Intelligence among more. Graduates from this course get recruited by top tech companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Visa, Fidelity, JP Morgan and Samsung. Graduates typically go for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, IT Project Manager, Business Intelligence, Data Analyst and more. Their salary range starts from around USD 99,000 and can go upto USD 150,000
Northwestern University offers a variety of Business and Management programs including an MBA program through Kellogg School of Management. The Kellogg School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The business school was reviewed in 2022 and its accreditation was extended for another 5 years till 2027. The MBA programs offered by Northwestern's Business school are highly ranked and top-rated in the country.
Northwestern University Admissions 2026
Indian students interested in higher studies at Northwestern University need to maintain strong academic scores (above 90% ideally), prove their proficiency in English, submit standardized tests (SAT or ACT), along with their online application via the Common or Coalition App, as part of the Northwestern University Application Process.
Northwestern University Application Deadlines 2026
NWU Illinois has 2 main intakes for UG students (Early Decision and Regular Decision). The application deadlines for both intakes have now passed. As for PG courses, the deadlines vary by program. Mentioned below are the tentative deadlines for Indian students:
| Course Type | Tentative Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| UG |
|
| PG (MBA) |
|
Northwestern University Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
The university has set some basic entry requirements that both domestic and Indian students need to satisfy to be eligible for studies at Northwestern University. This includes submitting the documents and test scores mentioned below:
| Particular | Required |
|---|---|
| Documents |
|
| English Test Scores (Master's courses at the Graduate School) |
|
| Competitive Test Scores | |
| Northwestern University Application Fee for Indian Students |
|
1 USD = INR 92.80
- Application fees :USD 50 - 250
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
No, students are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate programs. Student's application will not be affected with or without SAT/ACT scores. It will be evaluated based on their grades, academic awards, essays and the rest portfolio.
Northwestern University takes admissions on a rolling basis. This means, international students can apply throughout the year at the university. The university takes admissions through four types of applications; QuestBridge, Early Decision, Regular Decision, and Transfer.
Type of Application | Particulars |
|---|---|
QuestBridge | It is for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges through a process called College Match |
Early Decision | It is for those who have done good college research and are thrilled to land at Northwestern next Fall |
Regular Decision | This allows students to potentially consider multiple offers of admission and financial aid |
Transfer | This is for students who have enrolled in college courses after secondary school graduation for transfer admission |
Northwestern University admission requirements are given below:
Undergraduate Admissions
- Completed application
- Northwestern University supplement, (with additional writing supplements)
- Official secondary school transcript and school report
- At least one teacher recommendation
- Counselor recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores (if applicable)
- Official proof of English language proficiency
- Any additional materials (if required)
Graduate Admissions
Generally, to submit a Northwestern University graduate application, the applicants are required to keep the following things in mind:
- First of all, explore the programs
- Next, check the course requirements
- Then, submit the Northwestern University graduate application and pay the application fee via credit card
- Then, check for admission decision
- Next, apply for aid (if applicable)
- Lastly, check the enrollment procedure if admitted
Northwestern UniversityNorthwestern University Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
Northwestern University offers several scholarships & grants, federal work-study, loans, and emergency aid requests. However, Indian students only have 2 options to fund their studies; the Northwestern University Scholarships and Federal or State Grants. Mentioned below are some standout financial aid options available to Indian students at NWU:
|
Name of Scholarship |
Financial Award |
Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
|
Northwestern University Scholarship |
|
|
|
Federal Pell Grant |
|
|
|
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) |
|
|
1 USD = INR 92.70
How to get a scholarship at Northwestern University?
Indian students need to follow the steps mentioned below to get scholarships at Northwestern University USA:
- Check "yes" in the financial aid interest box of the NWU admission application
- Complete and submit the CSS profile via the College Board website (CSS Profile code: 1565)
- Complete and submit the most recent national tax forms (in English) to the Office of Financial Aid
A financial award notification will be sent soon to eligible students.
Learn more about Northwestern University's Scholarships from the video below:
Northwestern University Popular Courses
Northwestern UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
- 20% students never faced discrimination in this university
Northwestern University Job Outcomes
Northwestern Uni graduates are currently employed in full-time roles at Google, Accenture, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan, among others. The university graduates are in very high demand by industries like Business & Financial Services, Consulting, Engineering, Technology, and Healthcare. Given below are all the key statistics of the latest round of Northwestern University Placements.
Northwestern University Placement Rate
96% of the Northwestern Uni grads were either employed full-time or pursuing higher studies. Mentioned are is a detailed breakdown of the employment stats at the university:
| Northwestern University Profile | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Employed Full-time | 71% |
| Pursuing Higher Studies or Research | 25% |
| Searching for Jobs | 2% |
| Applying for Higher Studies or Research | 1% |
| Military, Volunteering, or Other Services | 1% |
| Northwestern University Latest Placement Report | |
Northwestern University Average Graduate Salary
NWU University Illinois graduates earn mean salaries between USD 48,920 and USD 115,667 (INR 45.4 Lakhs and INR 1.07 Cr). Mentioned below are the best-paying industries for Indian graduates of the Northwestern Uni:
| Industry | Mean Salary in USD | Mean Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Banking | USD 115,667 | INR 1.07 Cr |
| Financial Services | USD 109,974 | INR 1.02 Cr |
| Engineering | USD 96,712 | INR 89.8 Lakhs |
| Consulting | USD 94,665 | INR 87.9 Lakhs |
| Business Services | USD 92,365 | INR 85.7 Lakhs |
1 USD = INR 92.84
| Course | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| MBA/PGDM | ₹138.96 LPA |
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Yes, international students are allowed to do part-time work while studying. Part-time work is a great way to help themselves in paying off their tuition fees. It is not cheap to live in the United States. The cost of living in the United States depends on the tier of the city students live in. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week on part-time jobs to cover their expenses. There are a lot of part-time jobs available in the United States, students can work as a waiter or cashier in a restaurant.
MBA graduates at Northwestern University have been placed in some of the top organizations after completing their course. The top employers at the university are mentioned in the table below:
School | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|
School of Communication | Chicago Public Schools, Forte Group, Starbucks, The Boeing Company, Towers Watson, Accenture, Amazon Corporate LLC, Apple, Inc., Avenue, etc. |
School of Education & Social Policy | EY, Illinois Institute of Technology, Miami University, PwC, ApplySquare, Aspira Inc., Chicago Booth, Columbia College, Duke University, etc. |
Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications | Abbott, Adobe, AFP, Google, Deloitte, ESPN, IBM, Nielson Holdings, SFCG, The New York Times, United Airlines, American Airlines, etc. |
McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science | Baker McKenzie, Boeing, BPRG, CDW, Chicago Transit Authority, eBay, General Electric, Google, GoDaddy, Honeywell, Intel, KPMG, LinkedIn, Union Pacific, etc. |
School of Professional Studies | Google, McMaster-Carr, Cigna, City of Chicago, Microsoft Corporation, Wells Fargo, Epic, Northrop Grumman, Voya Financial, etc. |
The Graduate School | Adjutant Solutions Group, Adult & Child Health, AeroTek, Affinity Counseling, Aker Solutions, DMC, EA, Ericsson Labs, Grant Thornton, etc. |
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) at the Northwestern University provides various career services to its students. These career services help the students in career planning and job search. In addition, NCA also provides various career enhancement programs that help the students in supplementing their academic experience with professional opportunities. Some of the career services are:
- Handshake Access: It is a central platform for accessing career services. Students can find job and internship opportunities, schedule appointments with career counselors, gain knowledge about career events, etc.
- Career Treks: A group of students visit various companies on these treks
- Career Fairs: These employer events present opportunities for the students to network
- NEXT (Northwestern Externship Program)
- SIGP (Summer Internship Grant Program)
Northwestern UniversityStudent profile
Others
58%
Asian
20%
Hispanic
14%
Black
6%
Out of state
67%
In state
21%
Foreign
10%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
Northwestern UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.Northwestern University FAQs
Northwestern University is one of the top private universities in the United States. Experience at NU will vary from individual to individual. However, as per a former student at Northwestern University, there’s a very strong sense of community, everyone is extremely motivated to learn rather than compete for grades, and the whole class meet regularly and work on assignments together. Furthermore, the student described the social scene at the university as parties are there if you look for them, but there is never any pressure to attend and there are also tons of clubs and events on campus, so it’s pretty hard to get bored.
Northwestern University has a strong alumni network of over 260,000 members all over the globe. The University alumni network includes various notable personalities, leaders, innovators, dreamers, mentors, and game changers. The graduates are working in top sectors including Business Development, Information Technology, Operations, Engineering, Marketing, and many more. Also, the graduates are highly skilled in Business Strategy, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Project Management etc. Some of them are as follows:
- Ann-Margret
- Clancy Brown
- Megan Mullally
- Lily Rabe
- Zooey Deschanel
- Hugh Hefner
- David Schwimmer
- George R. R. Martin
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Pharrell Williams
- Warren Beatty
- Laura Linney
- Charlton Heston
- Cindy Crawford
- Jeri Ryan
- Jerry Springer
Northwestern University
Student Forum
Answered 4 months ago
Northwestern University offers many scholarships for international students who are eligible based on their academic record and overall profile. They can get these scholarships by applying for admission to the university and choosing an option that they are eligible for. After checking the requireme
Answered 4 months ago
Northwestern University has a lot of academic schools in areas such as Medicine, Journalism, Communication, Music among others. It is included in the 4 top 10 national universities and is also included in the top 20 in the 4 graduate school rankings. The school rankings at the university are mention
Answered 4 months ago
Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of around 8%. This means that it is very selective for admissions of international students. The applicants have to submit the GPA, academic records and documents that are mentioned on the official website. If their documents do not fulfill the requirem
Answered 4 months ago
Northwestern University is one of the top ranked universities. It has a ranking of #28 in the world and #14 in the USA based on the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025. It also has been ranked well for its academic schools on the main Illinois campus. The rankings of the university by ranking bodies ar
Answered 5 months ago
Northeastern University has not specified any minimum GPA requirement for admissions. But from the past data, a GPA of 3.85 on a 4.0 scale is very competitive. Most of the applicants with the mentioned GPA were offered admission.
On a related note, although the entrance tests like the SAT or ACT are
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