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Northwestern University

633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

Northwestern University award
Northwestern University award
US ranking
position: 19
Tuition & fees per year: $70,589
Acceptance rate: 7.00%
Median alumni salary: $73,331
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1520 SAT, 35 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Northwestern University offer in terms of athletics?

Northwestern University provides a comprehensive athletic program that competes at the NCAA Division I level, primarily within the Big Ten Conference. The university supports a wide range of varsity sports for both men and women, including football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and tennis, among others. Student-athletes have access to excellent training facilities and resources designed to foster both athletic development and academic success.

The university places significant emphasis on balancing rigorous academic programs with competitive athletics, encouraging students to excel in both arenas. Northwestern's sports teams, known as the Wildcats, have a history of competitive performance and participation in national tournaments, reflecting the school's commitment to high-level athletics.

Opportunities also exist for students interested in intramural and club sports, offering avenues for engagement beyond varsity competition. These programs cater to a diverse range of interests and skill levels, supporting a vibrant campus athletic community.

What student groups and Associations are available at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University offers a diverse range of student organizations that cater to various interests and provide opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom. The student body comprises approximately 4,084 men and 4,800 women, creating a dynamic community for participation in campus groups.

Who studies at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University enrolls a diverse student body with a total of 2,348 new students, consisting mostly of 2,111 freshmen and 237 transfer students. The freshmen class is notably large, ranking in the top 25% nationally, while transfer enrollment is closer to average.

The age distribution among students varies considerably between undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduates are primarily between 18 and 21 years old, with 3,875 students aged 18-19 and 4,216 aged 20-21. A smaller number of undergraduates fall outside this range, including 114 younger than 18 and some older students up to age 65 and beyond. Graduate students tend to be older, concentrated mostly between 22 and 39 years of age, with 3,940 aged 22-24, 5,431 aged 25-29, and significant numbers in the 30-34 and 35-39 age brackets.

Looking at racial and ethnic composition, the university exhibits a broad representation. Asian students form a strong presence, with enrollment figures placing them in the top 20% nationally. Students identifying with two or more races also represent a significant group, ranking within the top 15% in their category. Hispanic and African American students constitute an average proportion of the population, both ranking slightly above the national median. White students make up a moderate share, while Native American and Pacific Islander students are fewer in number, closer to or below average comparative metrics.

These varied demographics highlight Northwestern University's commitment to enrolling students across a broad spectrum of ages and backgrounds, creating an environment where traditional college-aged individuals study alongside more experienced graduate students from diverse ethnicities.

How does student life look like at Northwestern University?

Student life at Northwestern University is enriched by a vibrant array of cultural and extracurricular activities. The university supports a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a band, a chorus, and a television outlet, providing diverse opportunities for student involvement beyond academics.

Health and wellness services are well-established, including access to a health clinic, psychological counseling, and an office dedicated to veterans' affairs. Additionally, the presence of a women's center offers further support and resources tailored to female students.

Northwestern University fields athletic teams that compete in the NCAA, contributing to a spirited campus atmosphere and opportunities for student engagement through sports.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6, Northwestern offers an environment conducive to personalized interaction and close academic mentorship. The student body is both large and internationally diverse, with enrollment exceeding 23,000 students and representation from 105 countries, which fosters a global community on campus.

The university employs a substantial number of staff, including over 1,600 full-time members, ensuring robust support for students across academic, extracurricular, and administrative functions.

What libraries are available to students at Northwestern University?

Northwestern University offers a comprehensive library system centered around the University Library, complemented by six other libraries. This collection places the university in the top 5% nationally in terms of the number of libraries available to its students.

Students benefit from physical and digital access to these resources, with facilities supporting all-day availability. The library staff is well-trained to assist patrons, and established service hours ensure reliable access. Additionally, students can access shared collections, expanding the scope of materials beyond the immediate campus libraries.

Northwestern University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

23431

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

2103

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1618 full time, 189 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Northwestern University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

University Library

Number of libraries on campus

7

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Northwestern University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Northwestern University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Northwestern University Location & Map