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Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Quaecumque sunt vera("Whatsoever things are true" (Philippians 4:8 AV) "The Word full of grace and truth" (John 1:14))

Wikipedia
Private research university
Type
8,960
Total Students
8,846
Undergrad
13,955
Graduate
$15.3B
Endowment
(2025)
$66K
Tuition (In-State)
$66K
Tuition (Out-State)
$27K
Avg Net Price
7%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Graduation Rate
6-year
97%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Northwestern University

Northwestern: A leading private research university with a rich history, Big Ten spirit, and global impact.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Northwestern University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. This esteemed private research institution in Evanston, Illinois, offers a vibrant blend of rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and a spirited Big Ten athletic tradition. Known for its comprehensive approach to education, Northwestern prepares students to lead and innovate across a diverse array of fields.

Established in 1851 as the oldest chartered university in Illinois, Northwestern has a storied history of growth and adaptation. Initially affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, it quickly adopted a non-sectarian admissions policy, reflecting its commitment to serving all people in the developing Northwest Territory. By 1900, it had grown to become the third-largest university in the United States, shaping the landscape of higher education with its modern approach to combining professional, graduate, and undergraduate programs.

Academically, Northwestern is a powerhouse, home to eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools spanning management, law, journalism, engineering, medicine, and more. With an endowment of $15.3 billion and over $1 billion in annual research funding, the university fosters an environment where groundbreaking discoveries are made daily. Its faculty and alumni include a remarkable 37 Nobel Prize laureates, 47 Pulitzer Prize winners, and numerous other distinguished honorees, underscoring its profound impact on society.

Beyond the classroom, students at Northwestern enjoy a dynamic campus experience. The university fields 19 intercollegiate athletic teams, the Wildcats, competing in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, fostering a strong sense of community and pride. From state-of-the-art facilities like the Kellogg Global Hub and newly renovated Ryan Field to its commitment to global engagement and pioneering programs, Northwestern offers an enriching and challenging environment for aspiring scholars and leaders.

Key Highlights

  • Oldest chartered university in Illinois, established in 1851.
  • Endowment of $15.3 billion as of 2025.
  • Affiliated with 37 Nobel Prize laureates and 47 Pulitzer Prize winners.
  • A founding member of the Big Ten Conference in 1896.
  • Hosts eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.
  • Annual research funding exceeds $1 billion.

Timeline

1851
Established and chartered as the first university in Illinois.
1855
First building, Old College, opened.
1869
Admitted first female students; University Hall built.
1896
Became a founding member of the Big Ten Conference.
1917
Joined the Association of American Universities.
1920
Established the Kellogg School of Management.
1948
Program of African Studies founded, the first of its kind in the U.S.
1996
Diana, Princess of Wales, visited to raise funds for cancer research.
2017
The Kellogg Global Hub was constructed.
2023
Became the first top-ranked university to award bachelor's degrees to a graduating class of prisoners.

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Northwestern University

🏫

Kellogg School of Management

A prominent school of management established in the 1920s.

🏥

Feinberg School of Medicine

One of the professional schools that received significant donation for research.

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