Northwestern University Acceptance Rate 2024

Established in 1851, Northwestern University is a research university comprised of multiple schools and units. 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.

As per the unofficial source, the university ranked #6 among National Universities, #15 in best value schools, and #16 for providing the best Engineering programs.

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 boasts a diverse community of students from all around the world and various backgrounds. For the class of 2024, Northwestern University received a total of over 51,769 applications. However, only about 2,111 candidates got enrolled in the university for their higher education. For the Northwestern University campus, a total of 3,739 applicants were admitted. It can be concluded that with the Northwestern University acceptance rate of 7%, the university is highly competitive to get into.

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate for International Students

As per the enrollment data for 2023-2024, Northwestern University boasts an extensive student body of a total of 22,801 students, out of which more than 8000 students are undergraduates and over 13,000 were graduates. Various ethnic categories are represented by students of Northwestern University and the count of international students stands at 938. Most of the Northwestern University international students are from the Middle Atlantic, South, New England, Pacific, and more. Students can check the ethnicity enrollment for Northwestern University below:

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate Trends

During the fall 2023-24 admissions cycle, Northwestern University received over 50,000 applications through Regular Decision. Out of these, more than 3600 students got admitted, making the Northwestern University acceptance rate stand at 7.2%.

However, compared to the previous years, the Northwestern University acceptance rate has slightly increased. For the class of 2022, the acceptance rate was only 6.9% as 47,636 applied to the university but only 3,321 managed to secure an admission. Students can check the university acceptance rate trends over the years below:

Note:  Due to the lack of data on the official website, the data given above was obtained from unofficial sources. As a result, it is subject to vary.

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 2022-23 admissions, the Northwestern University Early Decision acceptance rate was recorded to be 19%. Whereas, Northwestern University Regular Decision acceptance rate stood at 6.1% as the university received about 51,216 applications and admitted 47,636 candidates.

Northwestern University Requirements for International Students

To secure admission, applicants must fulfill certain Northwestern University admission requirements for international students, which are listed below:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Official academic transcripts which include secondary and post-secondary school records
• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)- if applicable for the program
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS: 6.5 or above | TOEFL: 80 or above)
• Letters of recommendation (LORs)
• Resume/CV
• Completed online application

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 student gets plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercise often.

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate vs Duke University Acceptance Rate

Duke University acceptance rate stands at 6%, which makes it a very competitive university to get into. However, if we compare it with the Northwestern University acceptance rate which is 7%, 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.