About Northwestern University
On May 31, 1850, nine men gathered to begin planning a university that would serve the Northwest Territory. Given that they had little money, no land, and limited higher education experience, their vision was ambitious. But in 1853, the founders purchased a 379-acre tract of land on the shore of Lake Michigan 12 miles north of Chicago. After completing its first building in 1855, Northwestern University began classes that fall with two faculty members and 10 students. Twenty-one presidents have presided over Northwestern in the years since. Today Northwestern is proud to offer an environment that is inclusive and diverse.
Northwestern University offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including research doctorates. The School of Professional Studies offers online master’s degrees and certificate programs covering a range of academic disciplines. Northwestern University online degrees are either fully online or hybrids. No matter where you are studying, either on campus or online, you will enjoy a “rigorous yet empathetic academic environment.”
Accreditation & Licensing
Northwestern University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 10,421 ; Graduate: 16,426Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: Not applicable ; Graduate: 8%Graduation Rate:
95%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$89,363Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$15,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
52%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$59,150Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesOnline Programs offered by Northwestern University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Computer Science & IT
Healthcare
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Frequently Asked Questions About Northwestern University
Is Northwestern University accredited?
Yes. Northwestern University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Northwestern University offer?
Northwestern University offers 15 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Northwestern University offer?
Northwestern University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Northwestern University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Northwestern University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Northwestern University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Northwestern University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Northwestern University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Northwestern University military friendly?
Northwestern University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Northwestern University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Northwestern University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Northwestern University accept life experience credit?
Northwestern University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Northwestern University programs fully online or mixed?
Northwestern University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any Northwestern University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Are any admission tests required for Northwestern University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Northwestern University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Northwestern University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Northwestern University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Northwestern University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Northwestern University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Northwestern University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Northwestern University is featured in 7 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Northwestern University is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:
Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM