Avg Earnings (5yr)
$76,844
Acceptance Rate
7%
Graduation Rate
96%
Annual Tuition
$65,997
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry — 65% above the national median. Acceptance rate 7.2%, average SAT score 1533, in-state tuition $65,997.
At a Glance
Total Students
8,960
Retention Rate
97%
Faculty Ratio
6
Financial Aid
19%
Median Debt
$15,000
Campus Setting
City
Institution Type
Private Non-Profit
Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores
Average SAT Score
1,533
SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)
740–770
SAT Math (middle 50%)
770–800
ACT Composite (middle 50%)
33–35
Institution Overview
Northwestern University is a private, non-profit institution with an undergraduate student body of 8,960. The university has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 7.2%. Northwestern boasts a high graduation rate of 96.2% and a strong retention rate of 97.4%. The annual in-state tuition is $65,997.
Graduates of Northwestern University experience strong financial outcomes. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $73,331, increasing to $76,844 after five years, and reaching $89,363 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $15,000. The university provides financial aid to 18.8% of its students.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$73k
1 YEAR
$77k
5 YEARS
$89k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
Northwestern University graduates report strong earnings outcomes. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $73,331. Five years out, median earnings increase to $76,844. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $89,363. The median debt for Northwestern graduates is $15,000.
Northwestern University has a high retention rate of 97.4% and a high graduation rate of 96.2%. The university has an acceptance rate of 7.2% and a student population of 8,960. The in-state tuition is $65,997, and 18.8% of students receive financial aid.
Popular Programs
Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.