Northwestern University

Northwestern University has two campuses in Illinois, located in Evanston and Chicago. It also has an international campus in Doha, Qatar. 

Each campus has its own academic focus and environment. The Evanston campus offers programs in humanities and engineering. The Chicago campus is known for its professional schools, such as medicine, business, and law courses.

Below are the key features of each campus.

• Evanston:
  • Shakespeare Garden: It has the Shakespeare Garden, which features over 50 plant species mentioned in Shakespeare's works.
  • Research Funding: The Feinberg School of Medicine has secured $450 million in funding for groundbreaking projects, including immunotherapy for cancer and regenerative treatments for cardiovascular disease.
• Chicago:
  • Healthcare Achievements: Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is recognized as one of the top cardiovascular centers in the U.S., with an over 94% success rate in complex surgeries. 
  • National Reputation: Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the U.S. for neurology, cardiology, and oncology.
• Doha:
  • Journalism Curriculum: It offers the region’s only American-style journalism program and promotes the first of its kind digital media curriculum in the region.
  • Architectural Impact: The building combines Qatari design and modernist principles. The architecture integrates eco-friendly innovations and uses sustainable building practices to adapt to the extreme desert climate. 

After exploring the features of Northwestern University’s campuses, let’s take a look at its reputation through national and global rankings.

Understanding global rankings can help you make informed decisions about your university choices. Northwestern University holds a position of #42 in the QS Rankings 2026 and appears at the #31 position in the THE rankings 2025. In the U.S. News rankings 2025, it stands at #6. 

Here are the rankings for Northwestern University. 

Subject-wise rankings help you understand how a university performs in your chosen field. Let’s explore how Northwestern University ranks across different subjects.

Northwestern University: Top Course-wise Ranking 2024-25

Northwestern University ranks #69 in engineering courses and at #17 position for business courses according to QS rankings. In the THE rankings, arts & humanities courses rank in the 101 - 125 range and medical & health programs are placed in the #46 position. 

However, the University’s economics program performs better, ranking #8 in the U.S. News rankings.

Here are the subject-wise rankings of Northwestern University.

After exploring Northwestern University rankings in detail, let’s now discuss the admission requirements for studying at the university.

Northwestern University is considered one of the world’s elite institutions, with a competitive acceptance rate of just 7.5%. To improve your chances of admission, it’s important to submit key documents like your GPA score and academic transcripts on time.

Below are the admission requirements and deadlines for applying to the university.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements typically include documents such as academic transcripts. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are accepted but not mandatory. International applicants must submit English language proficiency scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL. Once admitted, you can proceed with the US student visa application process.

Here are the detailed admission requirements.

Academic Qualification

Academic requirements include a minimum academic GPA and the submission of documents such as a Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation. Some programs, like music, may also require a portfolio as part of the application.

Here are the detailed academic requirements.

Next, let’s check out the English language criteria for students.

Language Proficiency

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency levels through tests such as the TOEFL or Duolingo English Test. These tests must be taken within the last two years to be considered valid.

Here are the English language requirements.

Now, let’s explore the standardized tests accepted for admission.

Competitive Exams

ACT and SAT scores are accepted for undergraduate admissions, but are not mandatory. However, certain graduate programs, especially in management, may require standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT, depending on specific program requirements.

Here are the competitive scores accepted.

Finally, let’s take a look at the visa requirements for admission.

Visa Requirements 

The visa application begins after receiving the letter of acceptance from the university. However, it's recommended to have essential documents like a certificate of financial support and a passport copy ready before applying. In some cases, you may also be required to attend a visa interview.

Here are the US study visa requirements.

After a detailed review of Northwestern University’s admission requirements, let’s now explore the intakes and their deadlines.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Universities in the US typically follow fall, summer, and spring intakes. At Northwestern University, undergraduate admissions are offered through QuestBridge, Early Decision, Regular Decision, and Transfer options. The application deadline for Regular Decision closed on January 2, 2025, for the Fall intake.

Below are the admission deadlines for different types of undergraduate applicants.

After covering Northwestern University admission deadlines, let’s explore the top programs offered at the university.

Northwestern University offers over 4,000 programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. It is well known for programs in computer science, journalism, economics, and engineering. In addition to these traditional fields, Northwestern also stands out in emerging areas such as neuroscience and data science.

Here are some of the top courses offered at Northwestern University.

• MS in Biomedical Engineering: Learn to design and develop medical devices, diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies.
• MS in Integrated Marketing Communications: Study consumer insights, brand strategy, digital analytics, and cross-channel marketing.
• MS in Journalism: Gain hands-on training in multimedia storytelling, investigative reporting, and digital media.
• MS in Artificial Intelligence: Explore advanced AI techniques, including deep learning, natural language processing, and intelligent systems.
• BS in Data Science: Learn to analyze, interpret, and visualize complex data using statistical methods, machine learning, and computational tools.
• BS in Neuroscience: Study the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, integrating biology, psychology, and cognitive science.

After exploring the top programs offered at Northwestern University, let’s check out the fees for different programs.

Program Fees at Northwestern University

Tuition fees at Northwestern University depend on the level of study (undergraduate or graduate). The annual bachelors course tuition fee is fixed at $69,375 (INR 59.4L), while for masters programs, the fee is around $66,912 (INR 57.3L).

Here are the tuition fees for different programs at Northwestern University.

Note: 

• Fees may vary for specific courses. Please check the University website for the latest information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you've explored popular courses and fees that make up the cost of studying in the US for Indian students, let's examine the cost of studying at Northwestern.

The US government and private sources offer $100 billion towards scholarships, grants, and waivers, with over 1.8 million scholarship programs available. Additionally, the University allocates around $200 million for undergraduate scholarships, covering 45% of students. 

Below is a breakdown of the internal and external scholarships to study in the US for Indian students, including Northwestern University.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships at Northwestern University are funded through institutional resources and endowments. Most of these scholarships are need-based and offer varying amounts of financial aid to eligible students.

Here are some internal scholarships for international students to study in the USA for free.

Apart from scholarships offered by the university, you can also explore external Northwestern University scholarships to reduce the cost of living.

External Scholarships

Students of Northwestern University also explore external scholarships offered by foundations and governments. For example, the Fulbright Scholarship covers the full cost of studying in the U.S, while the Inlaks Scholarship covers the tuition fees and cost of living.

Here are some external scholarships available.

Now that you’ve explored financial aid options in the form of scholarships, let’s take a look at placement outcomes at Northwestern University.

• M.E./M.Tech: INR 40.52 L – 63.35 L
• MBA/PGDM: INR 78.57 L – 90.52 L
• Master of Surgery: INR 98.52 L – 127.4 L
• MIM: INR 68.52 L – 94.09 L
• B.E. / B.Tech: INR 61.19 L – 89.24 L
• BBA: INR 61.19 L – 97.33 L 
• BSc: INR 81.19 L
• M.A: INR 80.52 L – 112.96 L
• BSc Honors in Computer Science: INR 91.19 L
• BSc in Integrated Science Computer Science: INR 81.59 L
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing: INR 85.18 L
• BMOS in Finance: INR 77.33 L
• Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering: INR 99.24 L
• Doctor: INR 63.31 L
• Bachelor of Engineering Science in Computer Engineering: INR 69.24 L
• Bachelor of Engineering Science in Software Engineering: INR 99.24 L
• BA in Economics: INR 81.19 L
• BMOS in Commercial Aviation Management: INR 77.33 L
• BHSc in Health Science: INR 91.19 L
• BSc in Data Science: INR 51.19 L
• Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechatronic Systems Engineering: INR 88.9 L