Northwestern University
About
Located on a stunning lakeside campus in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is renowned for blending elite academic rigor with the energy of Big Ten athletics, boasting world-class undergraduate divisions like the Medill School of Journalism and the McCormick School of Engineering. The student experience is defined by a collaborative and highly driven campus culture where undergraduates balance intense coursework with active involvement in over 500 student organizations and beloved traditions like Dillo Day, the nation's largest student-run music festival. What truly sets Northwestern apart is its flexible Quarter System, which enables students to easily double-major across disparate fields, and its ideal location that offers a traditional college-town feel with seamless access to the professional and cultural opportunities of nearby Chicago.
Wikipedia:Northwestern University (NU) is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Established in 1851, it is the oldest chartered university in Illinois. Northwestern was initially affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church but later became non-sectarian. Northwestern became a founding member of the Big Ten Conference in 1896 and joined the Association of American Universities in 1917.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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Essay Requirements
Northwestern University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Northwestern University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.