Northwestern University Evanston is a leading private research educational institution and is considered one of the best universities in the U.S. for many reasons. From celebrity alumni to high-ranking academics and beautiful campuses, it’s no surprise that students from all over apply.
Learn more about Northwestern, its notable accomplishments, and why people move to this charming Chicago suburb.
Where is Northwestern University?
Northwestern University’s main campus is in Evanston, IL. They have two additional campus locations in downtown Chicago and abroad in Doha, Qatar.
What is Northwestern University Known For?
Northwestern University is known for many things, including its academics, programs, and learning opportunities. Below are some of its top highlights and why it’s highly regarded.
Stunning Lakefront Campus
Northwestern University Evanston sits on a beautiful 240-acre waterfront campus with massive surrounding greenery. The Evanston campus also features a sailing center, ice skating rink, and athletic fields with stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Notable & Famous Alumni
Northwestern University has notable alumni, including celebrities and historical figures. Some of its most famous alumni are Stephen Colbert, George R.R. Martin, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Grammy-Winning Music School
Did you know Northwestern University has a Grammy Award-winning music program? Their Bienen School of Music’s alumni and faculty won 12 Grammy Awards since 2015. Additionally, 51 music students and alumni earned top honors in 44 international performance competitions.
High Academic Rankings
One of the main reasons why Northwestern is considered a top educational institution is its national academic recognition. Below are some of their highest academic rankings and accomplishments.
Top 10 of the 2024 Best National Universities
The U.S. News & World Report rated Northwestern University in the top 10 of their 2024 Best National Universities. They ranked ninth among the top U.S. Ivy League universities, which is noteworthy as they’re not an Ivy League institution.
Factors contributing to their high overall rankings include:
• Graduation rates and performances
• Academic quality per peer assessments (presidents, deans of admissions, etc.)
• First-year student retention rates
• Social mobility opportunities for economically disadvantaged students (Pell Grants, borrower debt, etc.)
• Faculty research citations and publications in top-cited journals
Office for Research Ranked 16th in Total National Institute of Health (NIH) Awards for Top AAU Universities
According to Northwestern, their Office of Research ranked 16th of total NIH-sponsored research awards, with $449M in funding from them. They also reported the NIH even increased their funding by 86% over the past 10 years.
NIH funds provide their 35 university and 90 school-based research centers with the resources they need for innovation and entrepreneurship across various fields, like neuroscience and biotechnology.
Top Producers of Fulbright Scholars
The Fulbright US Scholar Program awards more than 1,700 fellowships annually for global recipients—and Northwestern is a top producer. According to Northwestern, 23 students and alumni were awardees during the 2019-20 academic year, showcasing their educational excellence.
Noteworthy Athletic Accomplishments
In addition to high academic ratings, Northwestern also leads in athletic accomplishments. They’re a NCAA Division 1 school and a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. Their football team has won two Big Ten West titles since 2018 and has consecutively been undefeated in five bowl games.
Their field hockey team is also top-performing, winning the 2021 NCAA national championships and were tournament champions in 2022 and 2023 during the Big Ten regular season.
Unique Quarterly Semester System
Unlike traditional semesters, Northwestern has a unique quarterly academic system. They have shorter and more flexible quarterly semesters, allowing students to choose their schedules.
It provides additional learning opportunities for students to enroll in more classes or electives they’re interested in to discover their educational aspirations effectively, with less of a commitment if they choose a different career path.
Northwestern University FAQs
Below are some of the most FAQs about Northwestern University.
Is Northwestern University an Ivy League?
No. However, they’re ranked a top 10 national university among Ivy League institutions.
Is Northwestern University a Good School?
Yes. Their national rankings, accomplishments, and learning opportunities are the main reasons it’s considered a top university in the U.S.
What is Northwestern University’s Acceptance Rate?
Their acceptance rate for first-year applications is around 7.5%.
What is Northwestern University’s Student Population?
Northwestern has 8,000+ full-time undergraduates and graduate students. With their part-time students, their total student population is around 21,000.
A Charming College Town: Find Your New Apartment Near Northwestern
Northwestern University Evanston not only attracts students but also residents from all over to move here—and understandably so. Its prime location is the best of both worlds. Evanston is only a 45-minute commute to Chicago to access the bustling city easily. Yet, it offers a slower-paced suburban lifestyle in a waterfront neighborhood along Lake Michigan.
Considering moving to the charming college town of Evanston? We can help you find luxury apartments to rent in one of our three Evanston locations or nearby.
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