Northwestern University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Northwestern, test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant: 46% submitted SAT scores, and the middle range starts at 1510. If you submit, aim for at least 1510, with 1560 or a 35 ACT putting your score near the top of Northwestern’s typical range.
⬡ LangSmithc03a4b8f-849b-426a-987d-dcbed9cb315aData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northwestern University facts and stats
Northwestern University enrolls about 9,060 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Northwestern has a 98% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. The university’s 6-year graduation rate is 95%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.
⬡ LangSmith62db560e-e359-47b6-a65d-75941e71d283Evanston, IL
How do your scores compare at Northwestern?
Key Northwestern University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 5
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Northwestern, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use later sittings for superscore-focused retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, an October SAT or ACT is typically the last retake that can arrive in time, so treat summer before senior year as an earlier retake window.
⬡ LangSmithe8941f36-dff2-42b1-94b2-f6ecf7ce0bfdWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Northwestern University?
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What you'll actually pay
Northwestern is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate of $68,322 applies to all students. About 44% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $29,000. Submit the FAFSA by the February 5 priority deadline.
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Northwestern's estimated cost of attendance is $89,448, including $68,322 in tuition and fees and $21,126 for room and board. About 44% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $67,785, which can substantially reduce the price for qualifying families. The average merit award is $29,000. Students graduate with an average debt of $32,540.
⬡ LangSmith7319b970-1746-4b2b-858d-7dcbbf126f3cStudent life at Northwestern University
55% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 14% of men join fraternities, and 18% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of Chicago
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 4.5%
SAT: 1510–1560
ACT: 34–35
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 5.9%
SAT: 1510–1560
ACT: 34–35
Duke University
Durham, NCAcceptance rate: 5.7%
SAT: 1520–1570
ACT: 34–35
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDAcceptance rate: 6.4%
SAT: 1530–1560
ACT: 34–36
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