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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
President: Mung Chiang

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

About Northwestern University

Northwestern: A leading private research university pioneering education and innovation since 1851.

Northwestern University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, with a vibrant presence in Chicago. Established in 1851, it holds the distinction of being Illinois' oldest chartered university, a testament to its enduring legacy in shaping education and research. With its commitment to "Whatsoever things are true," Northwestern fosters a dynamic environment where intellectual curiosity thrives across a diverse community of over 22,800 students.

A powerhouse in both academics and athletics, Northwestern is a founding member of the prestigious Big Ten Conference, proudly represented by its Wildcats. The university offers a rich array of programs across its eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, excelling in fields such as management, law, journalism, engineering, and medicine. Its dedication to groundbreaking research is evident in its substantial research funding of over $1 billion and an endowment of $15.6 billion, attracting top-tier faculty and contributing significantly to global knowledge.

Prospective students will find a university deeply rooted in history yet forward-looking, with a campus that blends historic architecture with modern facilities. Beyond the classroom, Northwestern provides a comprehensive student experience, from competitive NCAA Division I athletics to a myriad of student organizations. The university's strong ties to Chicago offer unparalleled opportunities for internships, cultural enrichment, and professional development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for impactful careers and leadership roles.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1851, making it the oldest chartered university in Illinois.
  • Holds an endowment of $15.6 billion (2024) with an annual budget of $3.3 billion and over $1 billion in research funding.
  • A vibrant community of 22,801 students, including 8,846 undergraduates and 13,955 postgraduates (fall 2023).
  • Affiliated with 37 Nobel Prize laureates, 2 Fields Medalists, and 47 Pulitzer Prize winners as alumni or faculty.
  • A founding member of the prestigious Big Ten Conference, with its Wildcats competing in NCAA Division I.
  • One of the first six universities in the U.S. to establish a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC).
  • Received the largest donation in its history, $480 million, from the Ryan Family in 2021.

Timeline

1851
Chartered as the first university in Illinois.
1869
Admitted its first female students and built University Hall.
1896
Became a founding member of the Big Ten Conference.
Early 20th Century
Established the Kellogg School of Management and began constructing a dedicated Chicago campus for professional schools.
World War II
Served as a major military training center, earning the nickname 'Annapolis of the Midwest'.
1948
Founded the Program of African Studies, the first center of its kind in an American academic institution.
2014
Hosted President Barack Obama for a seminal economics speech.
2021
Received the largest donation in university history, totaling $480 million, from the Ryan Family.
2023
Became the first top-ranked university in the U.S. to award bachelor's degrees to a graduating class of prisoners.
2025
Reached a settlement with the federal government to restore research funding and implement policy changes, terminating the Deering Meadow agreement.

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Northwestern University

🏫

Kellogg School of Management

A professional school in the field of management.

⚖️

School of Law

A professional school in the field of law.

🏫

School of Journalism

A professional school in the field of journalism.

⚙️

School of Engineering

A professional school in the field of engineering.

🏥

Feinberg School of Medicine

A professional school in the field of medicine.

🏫

School of Dentistry

A professional school in the field of dentistry.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
President
Erik Luijten
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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