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Northwestern University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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Northwestern University Admissions
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International students can apply for Northwestern University admission in Early and Regular modes. The Northwestern University application deadline for undergraduate and graduate programs is given below:

Undergraduate Deadline:

  • Early decision: Nov 1, 2025
  • Regular decision: Jan 2, 2026

Graduate Deadline:

  • MS: Varies as per programs (some programs may have multiple rounds)
  • MBA: Sep 10, 2025 (Round 1), Jan 7, 2026 (Round 2), Apr 1, 2026 (Round 3)

Northwestern University Admission Overview 2025

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is SAT required for Northwestern university?
A: 

Northwestern University is considered a test optional university, which means the university does not require standardized test scores as a part of mandatory admission requirements.  The university accepts applicants on the basis of their academic eligibility, English proficiency scores, and submission of mandatory documents required for admission. Students are encouraged to submit their scores if they want to enhance their profile, which might increase the chances of acceptance.

Q:   What GPA is required for Northwestern?
A: 

Northwestern University doesn't specify any minimum GPA required for admission. The selection process is based on academic rigor, essays, recommendations, mandatory documents, along GPA. Applicants must also make sure to fulfill additional requirements as per their choice of program, for example, they must have a bachelor's degree for PG programs and a high school certificate for UG programs. Moreover, they must have English proficiency test scores as a mandatory requirement.   

Northwestern University Courses: eligibility and Fees 2025

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How much is Northwestern tuition?
A: 

The Northwestern University tuition cost depends on the level of the programme and its duration. ranges between INR 55.63L and INR 61.16L for undergraduates and INR 17.05L and INR 99.4L for postgraduates. Students can check the Northwestern University tuition fees for popular programs below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

B.Sc. (14 courses)

INR 56 L

B.E. / B.Tech (26 courses)

INR 55 L - 56 L

MIM (7 courses)

INR 20 L - 57 L

MS (30 courses)

INR 26 L - 66 L

MBA/PGDM (13 courses)

INR 20 L - 95 L

B.A. (35 courses)

INR 56 L

BBA (3 courses)

INR 55 L - 56 L

MEM (1 course)

INR 55 L

MDS (1 course)

INR 34 L

LL.M. (4 courses)

INR 48 L - 65 L

Q:   How much is the cost of attendance at Northwestern University?
A: 

Students planning to study abroad must have a general idea about their expenses and how they are going to fund themselves. They must have an idea of the estimated cost of daily needs. The table below lists down the estimated cost of attendance while studying at Northwestern University:

Expense Category

Amount in INR

Tuition and Fees

INR 61.22 L

Housing & Meals

INR 19,26 L

Books & Supplies

INR 1,35 L

Personal Expenses

INR 1,82 L

Transportation

INR 1,18 L

Total

INR 84,83 L

Northwestern University Admissions Process2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   How hard is it to get into Northwestern University?
A: 

It can be considered quite difficult to get into Northwestern University, looking at the acceptance rate of the university which stands at around 7%, according to unofficial sources. According to the available data, the University received around 51,769 applications, out of which 3,739 students were admitted and 2,111 were finally enrolled. This shows how competitive the application process can be. Applicants must meet the admission criteria and requirements as per the programme of their choice and submit all the mandatory documents on time during the application process to increase their chances of securing a position.

Q:   How is MS in CS programme at the northwestern university?
A: 

Northwestern University offers an MS in Computer Science (MSCS) program, which delivers a flexible curriculum on foundational computational courses and core subjects AI/ML, Robotics, Cybersecurity, HCI, and many more for students who are willing to take their tech skill set to an advanced level. Graduates of this course are well prepared to grab secure roles in Software engineering, Data Analytics, IT consulting, Database Management and many more. According to unofficial sources, 98% of students get places three months after graduation. Graduates get places in  companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, Visa, Deloitte, Visa, Oracle, IBM. The average salaries of these graduates are nearly USD 108,000

Northwestern University MS Admissions 2025

39 courses 9 months - 2 years
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21.5L - 79.2L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   How is the MS in IT programs at the Northwestern University?
A: 

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 Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   How to apply for Northwestern University?
A: 

Applicants willing to apply to the Northwestern admissions process must meet the admission eligibility and submit the necessary documents as per the program requirements. You must pay application fee before submitting the applications before deadlines. The steps for the application process are as follows:

Start by registering via the university application portal
You can explore and choose a program of your choice from the official website
Verify the eligibility including academic requirements and English requirements, and
submit mandatory documents, such as academic records, 2-3 LORs, SOP, updated CV, standardized test scorecards like ACT, SAT, GMAT, or GRE as per the program chosen, and employment history as required.
Complete the form by filling out the additional information as required
Pay the application fee and submit the application.

Q:   How much is the application fee at Northwestern University?
A: 

While applying to Northwestern University, applicants are required to pay a mandatory application fee before submitting the application form, which is non-refundable. The following are the application fees as per different levels:

  • UG: USD 75 (INR 6.44K)
  • PG: USD 95 (INR 8.2K)
  • MBA: USD 250 (INR 21.5K)

Applicants must make sure to submit all the necessary documents along with the application form as per the requirements of their chosen program, failing to do so will result in delays and even rejection fo the application form .

Northwestern University Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission
Q:   What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern University?
A: 

The acceptance rate of Northwestern University stands at around 7%,  which means only 7 out of 100 students get admitted by the university, which shows the university is extremely strict with admissions, and the selection process is quite competitive and difficult. 

Q:   How many international students go to Northwestern?
A: 

Northwestern University boasts quite a population of international students in its campus. The university is said to have international students from over 142 countries, who constitute upto 25% of the student population in the university. According to the Northwestern University enrollment data available for academic year 2023-2024, the international applications received by Northwestern University were 51,769, out of which 2,111 students were enrolled in the UG program. The university thus boasts a vibrant, safe, friendly and multicultural environment across its campus.

Northwestern University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.9/5
Verified Icon5 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 20% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Multi-dimensional
Friendly
Academically oriented
Internships3
Part time work3
Post study jobs4
Quality of faculty4.8
Student Life4.4
Value for money3.2
Public transportation4.8
Safety4.2
Indian Food4.2
Permanent Immigration3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master's in Information Systems - Batch of 2026
3.9
Close knit and tight community.
Tips: My classes are very fast-paced and relevant; they like to cover what is more marketable and important for students to know. You'll discover things about yourself that you never knew existed after spending some time here. I like how the courses are structured and the campus clubs have made me feel more welcome than I'd imagine.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1975
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 99100
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025Read more
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T
Tavs Verified Icon
BA/MA in Comparative Literary Studies - Batch of 2026
3.9
One of a kind university; supportive and encouraging faculty.
Tips: My programme is something I chose out of passion and genuine interest. I had several options to study from, but Northwestern made the most sense. My professors have been supportive and helpful every step of the way, and their teaching has made a difference. I also have a scholarship of 8000 based on my projects, and that has made studying here easier.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1975
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 94475
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Engineering Management (MEM) - Batch of 2023
3.9
Short course with very good education and hectic lifestyle
Tips: Be prepared to go through a tight schedule for the next 15 months. Make good connections with seniors well before coming to campus and learn how to network with people. I'm very satisfied with the course. All is good and I am happy.
Likes (Indian Food): There are quite a good number of restaurants of every cuisine around the campus. Korean, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Nepalese and a lot more. I prefer cooking as it gets expensive if you eat out every day. My fav was 10q and hokkaido near the campus.
Dislikes (Student Life): It's a 15-month course. You'll be in job and intern search for 3-6 months totally together, although social life is not good, due to limited time of 9-12 months free time, it depends on person to person. There are a lot of clubs in the university you should be proactive and explore various clubs on the campus. My fav is NU Adventure.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 800
Prepping time for classes26 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 91375
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master's in Public Policy and Administration - Batch of 2025
3.8
Friendly and welcoming place.
Tips: My department is big on research and academia. I learnt how to adjust to come out of the customs and societal expectations, which took a while to adjust to. Most of my classmates are international students, and my faculty advisor is very inclusive as well. Professionalism and punctuality are very important here.
Likes (Student Life): Kind, close knit people who are friendly and won't hesitate in helping if you need. I found the campus really lovely to stroll around and explore, with some of the green space being my favourite here. There are also campus pets, which make it all more pleasant.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1850
Prepping time for classes33 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 89850
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science (MS) in Communication - Batch of 2026
3.8
Great campus and faculty.
Tips: Something not a lot of people know is that Northwestern makes its education very interdisciplinary and encourages students to explore various aspects of their major, as well as areas outside of it. The student body is diverse and supportive. Public transportation is very convenient, accessible and affordable. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences so far.
Dislikes (Part time work): Part-time work for international students is honestly a rarity, with few options available both on and off campus. Off-campus opportunities involve many legal hurdles, making them very tricky to obtain. You could try looking for jobs in academia or research.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1850
Prepping time for classes36 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 86750
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025Read more
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Northwestern University FAQs

Q:   Is Northwestern an Ivy League?
A: 

No, Northwestern University is not considered as a part of the Ivy Leagues. The original Ivy League consists of eight prestigious private universities, of which Northwestern is not a part of. Although, the university is considered extremely prestigious enough to be considered as Ivy equivalent due to its academic excellence, reputation, Competitive admission, and high research output.

Q:   Why is Northwestern so prestigious?
A: 

Northwestern University is globally known for its prestigious reputation, which attracts a vast student population from all around the world. The university is keenly selective in admissions due to limited availability of seats and high demand for the most sought after courses. The university is known for its academic excellence, market outreach, high research activity and competitive selection process. The university ranked among the top US universities by various global ranking platforms. Because of its excellent location in Chicago, the university opens up a lot of job and internship opportunities, helping students to secure the most sought after jobs. The university has a strong global alumni network which helps contributing to its world class standing.

Q:   Are there any scholarships offered by the Northwestern University?
A: 

Northwestern University offers a range of scholarships for students, typically focused on need-based or academic merit-based financial aid. These scholarships, when allotted to the student, covers the financial need of the student without the requirement of loan. Some of the most famous scholarships presented by the university are:

  • Northwestern Financial Aid Awards for International Students,
  • Northwestern McGiwan Fellow Program for Second Year Students,  
  • Donald P. Jacobs International scholarships.
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Shreya Basu

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After pursuing BTech in Information Technology from VIT Vellore in 2024, Shreya followed her passion to write and give content writing a shot. She is now a content writer at Shiksha.com, Creating content about universities abroad. Her interests lie a...Read Full Bio

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Northwestern University
Location

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University CityEvanston, Illinois, USA
Size of citySmall
Population of City74,756

Northwestern University
Contact Information

Address

633 Clark Street, Evanston, Illinois-60208, USA
Evanston ( Illinois)

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