Northwestern University

Evanston, IL, USA

✓ SEVP Certified

Test Optional

STEM Designated

OPT Available

CPT Available

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About Northwestern

Northwestern sits on a 240-acre lakefront campus in Evanston, Illinois, an inner-ring Chicago suburb directly north of the city on the shore of Lake Michigan. Founded in 1851, the university runs on the quarter system and is known for the Medill School of Journalism, the Bienen School of Music, the Kellogg School of Management, and unusually strong undergraduate-accessible theater and film programs. The Big Ten athletic identity and proximity to downtown Chicago via the El give Northwestern a hybrid suburban-urban feel.

Location

Evanston, IL, USA

SEVP & Work Rights

SEVP Certified Institution

OPT Available: Yes
CPT Available: Yes
STEM Designated: Yes (24-month OPT extension eligible)

Key Stats

Acceptance Rate: 7.0%
Total Students: 23,856
International %: 22.0%
Campus Setting: Suburban
Student/faculty ratio: 6:1

Admissions

SAT (average): 1533
SAT EBRW (25th-75th): 740 - 770
SAT Math (25th-75th): 770 - 800
ACT (midpoint): 35
ACT (25th-75th): 33 - 35

Outcomes

Freshman retention: 98%
Graduation rate (6yr): 96%
Median earnings (10yr): $89,363

Profile

Classification: Doctoral / Research University
Endowment: $10981M
Avg net price (after aid): $29,167/yr

Rankings

US News: #7
QS World: #42
Times Higher Ed: #30

Test Requirements

TOEFL

Required

Minimum score: 90

Programs may require higher; valid within 2 years.

IELTS

Required

Minimum score: 7.0

Programs may set higher requirements.

GRE

Optional

Many engineering and humanities programs no longer require.