Northwestern University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

The Northwestern University is a public research university based in Illinois, USA, established in 1851. The university is renowned for its excellent academic programs with a robust mixture of theory and practice. In addition, it emphasizes top-tier research, knowledge, creative expression, and practical application.

When it comes to Northwestern University Ranking, the university ranked #6 in National Universities, #15 in Best Value Schools, and #42 in World University Rankings 2026. 

Students across the globe apply for Northwestern University admissions. However, due to the university's tough selection criteria, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate 2025

Northwestern University received over 49,400 applications as of Fall 2024, of which 3,800 students were admitted, meaning that the Northwestern University acceptance rate 2025 is around 7.69%. This points to extremely selective Northwestern University admission criteria.  

Northwestern’s yield rate is 55.3% as over 2,100 students enrolled out of the 3,800 who were selected to get enrolled on the Northwestern University campus grounds. Students can refer to the table below for reference for a comparative analysis of the data for the class of 2027 and the class of 2028: 

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate for International Students

Northwestern University currently houses over 9,500 international students from more than 120 countries. The number of international (nonresident) UG students enrolled at the Northwestern University campus was around 930 as of Fall 2024.  Statistics for other ethnicities and races enrolled at the university are below:   

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate Trends

From the data of the past few years, it can be understood that the applications received by Northwestern University have stayed between 39,000 and 52,000, whereas the number of applications has seen an increasing trend. However, due to the increasing number of applications, the Northwestern University acceptance rate has decreased in the last five years, which indicates increased competition amongst aspirants looking to study abroad at this university. 

Check the table below for a detailed analysis:

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate: Early Decision vs Regular Decision

Every year, Northwestern University admits international students through Early Decision as well as Regular Decision. Usually, the university’s early decision acceptance rate is higher in comparison to the regular decision acceptance rate. The early decision permits students to apply to universities earlier than a regular decision.

For Fall 2024 admissions, the Northwestern University Early Decision acceptance rate was recorded to be 20%. Whereas, Northwestern University Regular Decision acceptance rate stood at 5.3% as the university received about 44,800 applications and admitted 2,800 candidates.

Northwestern University Requirements for International Students

As an international applicant, you must follow these steps properly and submit the mandatory documents needed for admission at Northwestern University. Following are some of the documents required:

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized university
  
• Academic records of all the schools and institutions attended
  
• Standardized test scores like ACT, SAT, GMAT or GRE
  
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
  
• Letters of Recommendation
  
• Statements of purpose
  
• Updated CV or Resume
  
• Completed application and fee receipt

Also check Northwestern University Cost 

Tips to get selected at Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a competitive university to attend, thus students must submit outstanding academic marks as well as thrive in extracurricular activities. Aside from meeting academic requirements, some of the finest practices that students can follow include obtaining excellent letters of recommendation from their teachers/professors and making a positive difference in the world outside of classrooms.

Also, organizing your time by juggling social, academic, and other obligations can be difficult, so creating and sticking to a schedule is essential. In addition, maintaining good physical and mental health is crucial for academic success. Make sure the student gets plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercises often.

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate vs Duke University Acceptance Rate

The Duke University acceptance rate stands at 4.8%, which makes it a very competitive university to get into. However, if we compare it with the Northwestern University acceptance rate, which is 7.6%, both universities are extremely competitive and selective in their admission process.

Getting Duke University admission or Northwestern University admission, both are very competitive, and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities. Applying early is one of the best practices as both the university has high acceptance rates, and so are the chances of getting in.