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.
Data 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.
Evanston, IL
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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.
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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.
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.
Student 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
American Islamic College
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Augustana College
Rock Island, ILAcceptance rate: 62.8%
SAT: 1040–1260
ACT: 21–29
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
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