Northwestern University
Northwestern University's main campus sits along Lake Michigan in Evanston, offering students both a traditional campus environment and easy access to Chicago. Students are known to be ambitious and driven, with strengths across many academic disciplines, especially in communication, journalism, and theater. The university is distinctive for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and unique programs, like the Integrated Engineering Studies program. Northwestern's location provides opportunities for internships and cultural experiences in a major metropolitan area.
Financial Aid
The sticker price is rarely what families actually pay. Northwestern University's grant and scholarship aid lowers the net price for most income brackets. 19% of students receive Pell Grants; 19% take federal loans.
Average net price across income brackets is $14,799, roughly 78% lower than the published tuition.
Net Price by Family Income
Academic Year 2025| Income Bracket | Avg Net Price | 4-Year Net Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $30K | $1,243 | $4,972 |
| $30K – $48K | $3,373 | $13,492 |
| $48K – $75K | $6,485 | $25,940 |
| $75K – $110K | $14,059 | $56,236 |
| $110K+ | $48,837 | $195,348 |
| Sticker price (no aid) | $65,997 | $263,988 |
Programs at Northwestern University
29 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.
| Degree Program | DW Score | 1-yr Earnings | AI Risk | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Compare across schools → |
78
|
$99,981/yr | Very High | 4.9x |
| Economics Compare across schools → |
73
|
$84,932/yr | Very High | 3.8x |
| Mathematics Compare across schools → |
66
|
$79,530/yr | Very High | 3.5x |
| Industrial Engineering Compare across schools → |
65
|
$89,811/yr | High | 4.2x |
| Chemical Engineering Compare across schools → |
63
|
$80,709/yr | High | 3.6x |
|
Information Science
Information Science/Studies Compare across schools → |
62
|
$102,998/yr | Very High | 2.9x |
| Mechanical Engineering Compare across schools → |
61
|
$75,253/yr | Very High | 2.9x |
|
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Compare across schools → |
59
|
$68,592/yr | High | 3.9x |
| Applied Mathematics Compare across schools → |
54
|
$94,684/yr | Very High | 2.6x |
|
Human Resources
Human Resources Management and Services Compare across schools → |
53
|
$82,255/yr | High | 2.1x |
| Community Organization and Advocacy Compare across schools → |
52
|
$61,009/yr | High | 2.3x |
|
Political Science
Political Science and Government Compare across schools → |
51
|
$54,737/yr | Very High | 1.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies Compare across schools → |
48
|
$52,210/yr | High | 2.4x |
| Statistics Compare across schools → |
47
|
$77,917/yr | Very High | 2.0x |
|
International Relations
International Relations and National Security Studies Compare across schools → |
47
|
$58,326/yr | High | 1.8x |
| History Compare across schools → |
47
|
$50,161/yr | High | 1.7x |
|
Psychology
Psychology, General Compare across schools → |
42
|
$44,088/yr | High | 1.7x |
| Journalism Compare across schools → |
39
|
$50,426/yr | Very High | 1.7x |
| Public Health Compare across schools → |
39
|
$39,956/yr | High | 0.5x |
| Public Policy Analysis Compare across schools → |
38
|
$48,558/yr | High | 1.3x |
| Sociology Compare across schools → |
31
|
$38,402/yr | High | 1.2x |
| Anthropology Compare across schools → |
31
|
$33,208/yr | High | 0.3x |
|
Psychology Studies
Psychology, Other Compare across schools → |
30
|
$36,890/yr | High | 1.3x |
|
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Compare across schools → |
27
|
$39,012/yr | Very High | 0.5x |
| Music Compare across schools → |
26
|
$34,823/yr | High | 0.8x |
|
Neuroscience
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Compare across schools → |
25
|
$35,334/yr | High | 0.3x |
|
English
English Language and Literature, General Compare across schools → |
22
|
$31,748/yr | Very High | 1.3x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Compare across schools → |
21
|
$24,611/yr | High | 0.9x |
|
Theater & Drama
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Compare across schools → |
14
|
$19,245/yr | Moderate | 0.8x |
More Colleges in Illinois
Top-scored 4-year colleges and universities elsewhere in Illinois, ranked by average DegreeOutlook Score across their programs.