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Northwestern University Rankings 2026

Evanston, Illinois, USA

3.9 /5

(5 Reviews)

183 Student Q&A

Shiksha popularity ranking

#28 in World

#14 in USA

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Private University
240 acre campus
Estd. 1851

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Last updated on 31 Jul '25

Northwestern University Ranking

Table of content

Northwestern University Ranking
Northwestern University Course Ranking
Northwestern University Ranking by US News and World Report 2025
Northwestern University FT (Financial Times) Ranking 2025
Northwestern University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026
Northwestern University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025
Northwestern University ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025
Northwestern University Bloomberg Ranking 2025
Northwestern University Student Reviews

Northwestern University
Northwestern University Ranking

Northwestern University is among the top-ranked universities in USA and globally. For those who want to make a guided decision in choosing the right university, the rankings are a critical ask. For Northwestern University ranking, let’s take a look at how it has ranked this year and also, compare it with how the rankings have changed in past year.

Northwestern University ranking according to Shiksha Popularity Ranking was #27 in 2025. This ranking stood at #30 in 2024, witnessing improved trend. At national level, this ranking moved from #16 in 2024 to #15 in 2025.

According to another global rank publisher, QS, the university ranking was recorded at #42 in World University Ranking, improved trend in comparison to its 2025 ranking of #50.

The university is also ranked by THE (Times Higher Education) in 2025, with a rank of #31. As per The (Times Higher Education), the Northwestern University rank in 2024 was #28.

Here’s a detailed table comparing 3 years of Northwestern University ranking:

Ranking Body	2023	2024	2025	2026
QS	Not Ranked	47	50	42
THE	26	28	31	Not Ranked
US News	24	24	24	Not Ranked

#14

Country level

Shiksha Popularity Rank

World rank by different ranking providers

Shiksha

#28

US News Ranking

#24

THE Ranking

#31

ARWU Ranking

#31

QS Ranking

#42

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Northwestern University
Northwestern University Course Ranking

Now, let’s take a look at Northwestern University course rankings. Some of its courses in the field of Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science are ranked in 2025 by top ranking bodies such as Shiksha Popularity World Ranking and QS, exemplifying Northwestern University and its strengths.

The university’s ranking for Engineering courses stands at #47 in 2025 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. This ranking has declined from its 2024 rank of #45. Additionally, these courses are also ranked by QS. The 2025 QS Engineering and Technology rank stood at #69 in comparison to 2024 rank of #62.

University’s Business & Management Studies courses are also ranked by Shiksha Popularity Ranking, at #24. Interestingly, these courses have also been recognized by QS from past few years. In 2025, these courses have been ranked by QS at #11, showing improved trend from its 2024 rank of #12.

Among Indian students researching study abroad options, Northwestern University has also stood out in the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025. Here’s how its key courses have been ranked based on popularity and student interest:

Course Category	2023	2024	2025
Engineering	#50	#45	#47
Business & Management Studies	#24	#20	#24
Law	#58	#42	#37
Medicine & Health Sciences	#69	#61	#64
Science	#42	#46	#52

Search for courses/specializations

Showing 3 Courses

#22

Shiksha popularity ranking

Shiksha

#22

US News

#12

THE

#32

ARWU

#35

#39

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Specializations in MS Program

Chemical Engineering

Shiksha

#12

US News

#12

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Biomedical Engineering

Shiksha

#14

US News

#12

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#10

Shiksha popularity ranking

MBA/PGDM

Shiksha

#10

US News

Bloomberg

#10

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#17

Shiksha popularity ranking

B.E. / B.Tech

Shiksha

#17

US News

#12

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Specializations in B.E. / B.Tech Program

Biomedical Engineering

Shiksha

#14

US News

#12

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Mechanical Engineering

Shiksha

#15

US News

#15

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Commonly asked questions
On Course Ranking

Q: What are the most popular courses among Indian students at Northwestern?

Some of the most popular courses among Indian students are mentioned below:

Popular Courses	Shiksha Popularity Ranking
Master in Management	#22
MBA/M.S. in Design Innovation	#8
BS/MS in Computer Engineering	#26
MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering	#16
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences	#24
LLM for International Students	#14
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology	#10
BS/MS in Engineering Sciences and Applied Maths	#17
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology	#13

Northwestern University Ranking by US News and World Report 2025

US News & World Report is among the top ranking publishers in the world. The ranking publisher is known for its National, Global, Subject-based, and Regional rankings. US News & World Report evaluates various factors when considering top university for rankings. Some factors are Best Colleges for Veterans, most innovative schools, top performers on social mobility, average 6-year graduation rate, etc.

According to US News & World Report National Rankings, Northwestern University rank

According to US News & World Report National Rankings, Northwestern University ranks at #24 in 2025 and #67 in 2024 showing an increase in rankings. Check the ranking of Northwestern University under various categories that are given below:

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
Global Universities	24	24	– / –
National University	9	6	7
Best Graduate Law Schools	10	10	– / –
Best Graduate Medical Schools	13	– / –	– / –
Best UG Biomedical Engineering Schools	12	11	12
Biomedical Engineering PG	12	12	– / –
Chemical Engineering PG	16	12	– / –
Civil Engineering PG	12	13	– / –
Computer Engineering PG	24	21	– / –
Electrical Engineering PG	31	27	– / –
Entrepreneurship MBA	26	23	– / –
Finance MBA	15	14	– / –
Graduate Business School	3	2	– / –
MBA Business Analytics	25	24	– / –
Mechanical Engineering PG	13	13	– / –
Supply Chain Management MBA	13	17	– / –
UG Computer Engineering	19	– / –	– / –
UG Electrical-Electronic and Communications Engineering	22	– / –	17
UG Mechanical Engineering	17	19	15

Northwestern University Comparison with Other Universities: US News and World Report 2025

Northwestern is one of the top ranked universities. Northwestern, Virginia, UT Austin, and Brown are some of the most prominent universities in United States of America. Check the table listed below for the University ranking with top universities over the past years:

University Name	2024	2025
Northwestern University	24	24
Virginia University	125	137
UT Austin	56	65
Brown University	153	150

The US News and World Report is one of the leading ranking bodies in the world. Since 2005, the body has been ranking global universities based on various parameters. The Parameters include: Research Reputation, Publications, Total Citations, International Collaborations, and Scientific Excellence Indicators, among others.

As per the ranking criteria of US News, the ranking body prioritizes peer assessment and graduation rates more than the rest of the factors. Students can check the table below for some crucial ranking criteria of US News along with the weightage they consider while determining rankings of Northwestern:

Northwestern University Ranking Criteria (US News)	Weightage
Average 6-year graduation rate	16%
6-year graduation rate of students who received a Pell Grant	5.5%
6-year graduation rate of students who did not receive a Pell Grant	5.5%
Average first-year student retention rate	5%
Over performance (+)/Underperformance(-)	10%
Median federal loan debt for grad borrowers	5%
College grads earn more than an HS grad	5%
Student-Faculty Ratio	3%
Faculty salaries rank	6%
Percent of faculty who are full-time	2%

Also, check the US News Best College Rankings Methodology.

Northwestern University
FT (Financial Times) Ranking 2025

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
MBA	9	6	10

Northwestern University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026

QS is one of the most famous and most followed ranking bodies around the world. It published University rankings for various global universities. The inital rankings had been published in 2024 along with THE ranking body.

According to QS , Northwestern University ranks at #42 in 2026 and #42 in 2025 under the “World University Rankings”. Check the comparison listed below for Northwestern University ranking by QS under various categories:

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
World University	47	50	42
Accounting and Finance	29	25	– / –
Art and Design	– / –	151	– / –
Biological Sciences	64	55	– / –
Communication and Media Studies	17	23	– / –
Engineering and Technology	62	69	– / –
Global MBA	12	11	9
Law and Legal Studies	68	65	– / –
Mathematics	88	96	– / –
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering	47	39	– / –
Medicine	51	42	– / –
Performing Arts	38	39	– / –
Physics and Astronomy	62	55	– / –
Politics	51	82	– / –
Sociology	49	36	– / –

Northwestern University Comparison with Other Universities: Quacquarelli Symonds

The below Quacquarelli Symonds rankings of top universities suggest that there is a slight improvement in the rankings of the Northwestern University, University of Virginia, University of Texas at Austin and Brown University. Students can check the table below for a comparison of Quacquarelli Symonds world university rankings among top universities:

University Name	Quacquarelli Symonds WUR 2024	Quacquarelli Symonds WUR 2025	Quacquarelli Symonds WUR 2026
Northwestern University	47	50	42
University of Virginia	260	297	275
University of Texas at Austin	58	66	68
Brown University	73	79	69

Quacquarelli Symonds University is one of the top popular ranking bodies and has a reputation for being transparent. Quacquarelli Symonds uses an extensive methodology that includes Research and Discovery, Employability and Outcomes, Global Engagement, Learning Experience, and Sustainability.

A detailed ranking criteria for the Northwestern University Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking is given below:

Northwestern Uni Quacquarelli Symonds University Ranking Indicator	Score
Academic Reputation	92.2
Citations per faculty	71.2
Employer Reputation	89.4
Employment Outcomes	99.5
International Faculty Ratio	57.7
International Research Network	86.5
International Student Ratio	67.2
Sustainability	74.4

Also, Read QS World University Ranking Methodology

Northwestern University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025

Times Higher Education (THE) is highly renowned for its “World University Rankings” worldwide. A few major ranking released by THE annually include World University Rankings, Business & Economics Rankings, Computer Science Rankings, and Engineering & Technology Rankings. THE evaluates various essential parameters while allotting ranking to top universities around the world. Some important parameters include Reputation Survey, Research Income, Research Productivity, Institutional Income,

According to THE, the Northwestern University ranks at #31 in 2025 and #28 in 2024 under the “World University Rankings”. This shows that the ranking is decreasing. Check the table listed below for Northwestern University ranking under various categories:

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
University	26	28	31
Arts and Humanities	89	89	101
Clinical and Health	30	40	46
Engineering	30	31	32
Law	101	62	52
Life Sciences	49	50	51
PG Business and Economics	14	13	16
PG Computer Science	98	90	85
Psychology	18	24	21

Northwestern University Comparison with Other Universities: THE Rankings

Northwestern University, Virginia University, UT Austin, and Brown University are some of the most reputed universities in USA for higher education. Students can check the Times Higher Education rankings to Syracuse University with other top universities:

University Name	2024	2025
Northwestern University	28	31
Virginia University	166	163
UT Austin	52	50
Brown University	64	58

Times Higher Education is one of the leading ranking bodies to rank global universities on various parameters. THE ranks universities based on Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry Standards, and International Outlook. A detailed weightage used by the THE is given below:

Category	Score
Teaching	50.8
Research	61.9
Citations	87.8
International Outlook	93.6
Industry Income	99.7
Overall	70.3

Northwestern University
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Universities	30	33	31
Law	21	23	– / –
Mathematics	32	35	– / –
Nursing	201	– / –	– / –
Physics	51	51	– / –
Political Sciences	51	42	– / –
Sociology	23	12	– / –

Northwestern University
Bloomberg Ranking 2025

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Best Business School USA	7	3	5

Northwestern University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.9/5

5 Verified Reviews Info 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

Anonymous

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

Tavs

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

Anonymous

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

Anonymous

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

Anonymous

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

View All 5 Reviews

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Northwestern University

Student Forum

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Is Northwestern University a good university?

Answered a month ago

Northwestern University is ranked among top 20 universities in USA. NU is ranked #15 at national level and #27 at global level as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. THE (Times Higher Education) has ranked the university #31 in 2025, whereas 2024 rankings were #28, indicating a declining trend. ARWU al

PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

What are the majors offered by Northwestern University?

Answered a month ago

Northwestern University offers more than 200 UG, PG levels, certification and Diploma courses to Indian students. Students can choose from a wide range of majors including Business & Management Studies, Engineering, IT & Software, Science, Design, Medicine & Health Science, Humanities, Mass Communic

PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

How are LLM courses ranked at Northwestern University?

Answered a month ago

LLM courses are ranked #14 by Shiksha Ranking, #10 by US News, #23 by ARWU, #52 by THE (Times Higher Education) and #65 by QS Rankings. LLM courses are being ranked by other reputed ranking bodies as well which are mentioned in the table below.

Ranking Bodies	2023	2024	2025
THE (Times Higher Education) - Law	#101	#62	#52
QS - Law and Legal Studies	#51	#68	#65
US News & World Report - Best Graduate Law Schools	#13	#10	-
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law	#21	#23	-

PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

What Medicine and Health specialised courses ranked at Northwestern University?

Answered a month ago

Medicine and Health specialised courses are ranked #23 by Shiksha Ranking, #13 by US News, #42 by QS Ranking, and #46 by THE (Times Higher Education). Medicine and Health specialised courses' ranking is as follows:

Ranking Bodies	2023	2024	2025
QS - Medicine	#51	#42
THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health	#30	#40	#46
US News & World Report - Best Graduate Medical Schools	#43	#13	-

PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Is SAT required for Northwestern university?

Answered 2 months ago

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 submiss

Shreya Basu

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio