Northwestern University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Yes, Northwestern University has an application fee for the applicants applying to its undergraduate and graduate courses. The undergraduate applicants have to pay USD 75 as a Northwestern University application fee, whereas, for graduate programs, the application fee is USD 95 (exceptions are applicable). The application fee is non-refundable.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Northwestern University acceptance rate for international students is 7%. This means that the university is most selective when it comes to admissions. Various unofficial sources have also mentioned that getting admission to Northwestern University is difficult. For the Class of 2026, there were a total of 51,558 applicants and the admit rate was 7.2%. In order to improve the chances of getting into Northwestern University, students must have the following things:

• The highest GPA
• SAT or ACT test scores (if applicable)
• Ability to write engaging essays
• Extracurriculars
• Apply early
• Recommendation letters

For undergraduate admissions, Northwestern University accepts the test results of IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo. As such, there is no minimum score required by Northwestern University, still, the competitive applicants must show a high level of English language proficiency and typically score in the high range on all sections of the exams that the university accepts. In case of admission to Northwestern University’s graduate courses, check the respective course page to know the details of English language proficiency exams.  

At the undergraduate level, Northwestern University has a need-aware admission review for international students. Meaning, a request for financial aid and the amount of financial aid a student requires may impact the admission decision. Note that only first-year applicants are eligible for financial aid. Some of the features of financial aid awards for international students of Northwestern University are:

• Meet 100% of demonstrated financial need of students
• Consider the full cost of attendance
• Packages are loan and work free
• Consists only of grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid

Read: Scholarships to Study in USA for International Students 

The table given below specifies the Northwestern University tuition fees for international students for some of the popular programs:

Cost of Living: Northwestern University undergraduate student budget for 2023-24 is given below:

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA for International Students 

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 the admission decision
• Next, apply for aid (if applicable)
• Lastly, check the enrollment procedure if admitted

Read: College / University Application Process for USA

Yes, for admission to Northwestern MBA, the applicants are required to submit GMAT score. In place of GMAT, the applicants can also submit equivalent GRE score. However, apart from these scores, other factors that are considered at the time of the evaluation are:

• Essays
• Application responses
• Transcripts
• Test scores
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview report
• Video essays

Also Read: MBA in USA without GMAT

Yes, Northwestern University accepts international students. They make up 20% of the student body of Northwestern University. As per the report of 2021-22, currently, more than 4,000 international students represented by over 120 countries are at Northwestern University. Some of the top countries from where the undergraduate students at the university came from are China, Canada, India, South Korea, and Brazil, whereas, the graduate students belonged to the countries like China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Canada. Read: Top Reasons to Study in the USA

Some of the useful tips for students starting the their first semester at Northwestern University are: 

• Take advantage of the public lectures as they may help you bond with new people
• Surround yourself with people having a positive outlook
• Practice self care 
• Find a group of friends who will challenge you in a positive way in every aspect of life 
• Take time to meet your professors

For 2023-24, Northwestern University cost for one-year MBA course is given below:

Read: 10 Most Affordable MBA Colleges in USA

Northwestern University admission requirements for MBA course are:

• A bachelor’s or equivalent degree from an accredited university or college
• Previous study in Business or Economics is also required
• Two years of work experience
• GMAT / GRE score
• Written essays and video essays
• Letter of recommendation
• Complete application with an application fee of USD 250
• Clear the admissions interview

Also Read: MBA in USA

No, GRE scores are not required for Northwestern University MSc in Analytics course. But, a strong GRE score may increase the chance of admission of any applicant having weak academic credentials. Other things that the applicants have to submit while submitting the applications are statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, etc.

Northwestern University admission requirements for MSc in Analytics are given below:

• An applicant must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institute or foreign equivalent
• Online application with an application fee 
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcripts
• Any additional document
• TOEFL with a score of 100 or higher on iBT / IELTS with 7.0 or higher on IELTS Academic

For admission to Northwestern University MSc in Computer Science, GRE scores are neither required nor considered in applications. But, apart from this, students must meet the academic and English language requirements and submit all the application documents.

Northwestern University admission requirements for MSc in Computer Science are given below:

• A typical applicant is expected to have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline from a recognised institute
• Highly qualified applicants with other academic backgrounds shall also be considered
• TOEFL score of 90 or better in iBT / IELTS score of 7.0 or better
• Statement of Purpose
• Preferences for areas of study in research and advising
• Letters of Recommendation
• All other achievements

Also Read: MS in Computer Science in USA

A few of the things that Northwestern University students can do on the weekends are: 

• Paddle boarding at Northwestern Sailing center
• Visiting the nearby beaches
• Attending the events as per the interests in Chaicago
• Taking a trek to the Navy Pier for the Christmas Wonderland
• Go check out Bahai temple
• Volunteer at a community school