5 Reasons Why Northwestern University Should Be on Your College List

When you’re deciding where to spend the next four years of your life, choosing the right university is a big deal. Each year, thousands of students decide that this big choice should be Northwestern—and for good reason. So, why Northwestern?

If you’re looking for top-ranked programs, a vibrant student community, or incredible opportunities after graduation, Northwestern University ticks all the boxes. From world-class academics to strong postgraduate support, let’s get into why Northwestern might just be the perfect fit for you.

• Why Northwestern?
• Northwestern’s Best Majors
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Why Northwestern?

Choosing the right college is about finding a place where you can grow, learn, and set yourself up for a successful future. So, why should Northwestern be at the top of your list? Let’s talk about why Northwestern stands out.

Academic excellence across all majors

One of the reasons why Northwestern is a great choice is its rigorous academic programs. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Northwestern University ranks 6th in the nation, which speaks volumes about its academic reputation.

Some of Northwestern’s best majors include business, journalism, and engineering. If you’re business-minded, the Kellogg School of Management is one reason why Northwestern is a great fit for you. Ranked #3 among best business schools, Kellogg is known for producing leaders in business, entrepreneurship, and management.

The Medill School of Journalism is considered one of the finest in the world, producing over 40 Pulitzer Prize laureates, numerous national correspondents for major networks, and many well-known reporters, columnists, and media executives. Notable examples include George Bliss and Paula Lavigne.

If you’re interested in STEM, their engineering school is another reason why Northwestern is a solid choice. They have access to research facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary projects. Northwestern engineers are equipped to tackle real-world problems, from sustainable energy solutions to advancements in artificial intelligence.

Tight-knit community with big opportunities

Northwestern’s location in Evanston, Illinois, really gives you the best of both worlds. You get that cozy college town vibe with tree-lined streets, coffee shops, and a tight-knit community, but you’re just 12 miles from downtown Chicago. That means easy access to everything a big city offers—internships, job opportunities, museums, concerts, and all kinds of entertainment.

With around 8,000 undergrads, the student body is big enough for diversity and tons of social opportunities, but still small enough to keep that close-knit feel. Plus, with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, your classes will be small, and you’ll get personal attention from professors who are experts in their fields, like chemist Chad A. Mirkin, known for his groundbreaking work in nanotechnology.

Outside of academics, there are over 500 student organizations to get into. From performing arts, Greek life, social justice, to entrepreneurship, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular student clubs and organizations:

• Dance Marathon (DM). One of the largest student-run philanthropies in the country, Northwestern’s Dance Marathon raises millions of dollars for charity each year through a 30-hour dance event.
• The Daily Northwestern. This is Northwestern’s award-winning student newspaper. It provides hands-on experience in journalism, from reporting and writing to editing and digital media.
• NUDM (Northwestern University Dance Marathon). This annual event combines philanthropy and fun, where students dance for 30 hours straight to raise money for nonprofit organizations.
• Waa-Mu Show. A long-standing Northwestern tradition, the Waa-Mu Show is an entirely student-written musical that allows students to gain experience in writing, producing, and performing.
• Global Brigades. This is a student-led international service organization where Northwestern students travel abroad to assist in healthcare, engineering, and education development projects.

If you’re into the arts, you can check out exhibitions and film screenings at the Block Museum of Art, located right on Northwestern’s campus. The museum is free and open to all, and it showcases everything from contemporary pieces to historical works, and you can even get involved through internships or curatorial projects.

Looking for something more global? The Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) lets you work on real-world projects abroad in places like Africa, Asia, or Latin America. You’ll be partnering with local organizations to address issues like public health and education.

No matter what you love, Northwestern has tons of ways for you to get involved. From joining student groups to exploring art or working on international projects, you’ll find countless opportunities to grow and make an impact. This is just one of the many reasons why Northwestern is a solid choice.

Strong career support and post-graduate success

Curious about life after college? Northwestern grads have great options lined up. In fact, 97% of graduates are either employed, in grad school, involved in military or volunteer work, or doing something career-related within six months of graduation. For students looking to get a head start, Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) is there to help with internships, career advice, and more.

Another perk of Northwestern is tapping into the massive alumni network of over 260,000 people worldwide. If you’re looking for a mentor, internship, or a job lead, this network gives you access to industry leaders across just about every field. It’s a huge advantage when you’re ready to start your career.

Here are a few of Northwestern’s most notable alumni:

• Stephen Colbert. Host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a huge name in comedy, Colbert studied theater at Northwestern.
• Ginni Rometty. Former CEO of IBM, Rometty led the company through major tech changes. She graduated from Northwestern with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering.
• Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex and former actress, Meghan Markle earned her degree in theater and international studies before starring in Suits and becoming royalty.
• George R.R. Martin. The mastermind behind A Song of Ice and Fire (the books that inspired Game of Thrones), Martin studied journalism at Northwestern’s Medill School.
• Seth Meyers. Comedian and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, Meyers got his start in comedy and improvisation at Northwestern.

With a strong alumni network and notable graduates, it’s clear why Northwestern is a top choice. Northwestern offers a world-class education and also provides the connections and resources you need to jumpstart a successful career in almost any field.

Opportunities to combine disciplines

One of the coolest things about Northwestern is how easy it is to combine different majors and minors. The school encourages students to explore multiple interests and make a study plan that fits your goals.

Want to double major in Economics and Computer Science to get into the fintech industry? Go for it. Or maybe you’re passionate about both Theater and Political Science. You can combine those too and set yourself up for a career in arts management. If you’re a jack of all trades, this is one reason why Northwestern is a top choice.

This kind of flexibility is valuable in today’s world where having a mix of skills can really set you apart. You could blend business with design, biology with international relations, or anything else, really. It’s all about building a unique set of skills that make you adaptable and ready for whatever career path you choose.

Another great perk is Northwestern’s Quarter System, which gives you more flexibility than the typical semester setup. With four quarters a year, you can take more classes, explore different subjects, and even fit in internships or study abroad programs without feeling overwhelmed. It gives you more room to get into all your interests while staying on track for graduation.

At Northwestern, you’re not boxed into one area of study. You can mix and match fields to create a personalized education that works best for you, and that’s why Northwestern is a good choice for many students.

Research and innovation

It’s always about pushing boundaries and creating something new at Northwestern. The university is a research powerhouse, with more than $1 billion in research funding for the 2024 fiscal year. Northwestern is at the forefront of innovation across multiple fields. No matter your area of interest, there’s a place for you to get into research and make a difference.

The best part? Northwestern makes it easy for undergraduates to get involved in research early on. Their Undergraduate Research Grants provide up to $1,000 to cover research expenses for an independent academic or creative project in any field.

If you’re looking to get into full-time research, they offer a $3,500 stipend to cover living and research expenses over eight weeks. This allows you to work on independent academic or creative projects in any field under the supervision of a faculty member.

Additionally, if you’re looking to share your research, Conference Travel Grants will fund up to 50% of your expenses when you present your research or original creative work at a conference. So if you’re big into research, this is just one of the many reasons why Northwestern is a solid choice.

If you’re interested in STEM, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities that support research in nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and more. Northwestern is home to the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), one of the world’s leading centers for nanotech research.

If you’re more focused on humanities or social sciences, Northwestern provides rich resources for research in those areas too. You can explore historical archives at the Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections, which houses rare books, manuscripts, and unique collections.

Political science majors can take advantage of the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), which focuses on socio-political trends and analyzes issues like health care policy, education reform, and economic inequality. No matter your interest, Northwestern offers the tools and support needed to dive deep into your field and produce meaningful research.

Northwestern’s Best Majors

Now that we’ve covered why Northwestern is a great choice, let’s get into Northwestern’s best majors. If you’re into STEM, business, journalism, or the arts, Northwestern has some of the best majors in the country. Let’s take a look at some of the best majors that put Northwestern on the map.

Medill School of Journalism

If you’re into journalism, the Medill School of Journalism is where you want to be. It’s considered one of the best in the world and it has produced over 40 Pulitzer Prize winners, along with national correspondents for major networks and countless influential reporters, columnists, and media executives. Here are some notable alumni:

• George Bliss. Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist for the Chicago Tribune, known for his groundbreaking coverage of labor issues.
• Paula Lavigne. Award-winning investigative reporter for ESPN. She specializes in stories about college sports scandals.
• J.A. Adande. ESPN commentator and Director of Sports Journalism at Medill, known for his work covering the NBA.
• David Barstow. Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times, celebrated for his work on exposing corrupt practices in corporate and government sectors.
• Margaret Brennan. Moderator of CBS’s Face the Nation and Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent for CBS News.

Medill gives you real-world experience while you’re still a student. You can work on investigative projects with the Medill Investigative Lab or head to Washington, D.C., to cover politics with the Medill on the Hill program. If you’re dreaming of being a reporter, editor, or content creator, Medill gives you the skills and connections to make it happen.

Kellogg School of Management

Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management is ranked #3 among the best business schools in the nation. They also rank #1 in Marketing and #2 in Executive MBA. While the MBA program gets a lot of attention, undergrads can get into business through the Economics or Industrial Engineering programs, which are both packed with business-related courses.

Kellogg prepares you to lead. You’ll work on real business problems, intern with big-name companies, and even get a chance to travel abroad for Kellogg’s Global Initiatives in Management (GIM) program. If you’re aiming for consulting, finance, or starting your own company, Kellogg opens doors to big opportunities.

McCormick School of Engineering

If engineering is your thing, the McCormick School of Engineering is a great choice. The school’s Whole-Brain Engineering approach mixes creativity with tech skills, so you’re ready to think outside the box. Their official website explains, “This means integrating the elements of left-brain thinking—analysis, logic, synthesis, and math—with the kind of right-brain thinking that fosters intuition, metaphorical thought, and creative problem solving.”

Some of their best majors include Materials Engineering and Industrial Engineering, both ranked #4 nationally. Biomedical Engineering and Civil Engineering are not far behind, both sitting at the #12 spots. Plus, with access to cutting-edge labs like the Segal Design Institute and the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, you’ll have everything you need to turn your big ideas into reality.

Communication Studies

Northwestern’s School of Communication offers a standout program in Communication Studies, perfect for anyone looking to combine media, culture, and technology. Ranked #17 in the world by the QS World Rankings for 2024, this major lets you explore how communication works in everything from social media to corporate branding.

There are tons of opportunities for hands-on learning, too. You could intern at major media companies, create your own media projects, or work with Northwestern University Radio/Television/Film (RTVF). If you’re into media production, digital marketing, or studying the impact of social media, this is the best major at Northwestern to give you a solid foundation.

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

If you’re someone who loves variety, the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences is perfect. It’s the largest school at Northwestern, and it offers tons of majors like Economics, Political Science, History, and Psychology. You can easily double major or add a minor, which gives you plenty of flexibility to explore different fields.

Economics is one of the most popular majors at Northwestern, and it ranks #8 in the nation. It prepares you for careers in finance, consulting, or even policymaking. If you’re interested in how the human mind works, the Psychology program is ranked #9 nationally and it offers courses that cover everything from human cognition to mental health.

With its top-tier academics, strong community, and endless opportunities for growth, it’s easy to see why Northwestern is such a standout choice. As you consider your options, think about how these opportunities could shape your college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Northwestern’s best majors?

Some of Northwestern’s best majors include Materials Engineering and Industrial Engineering, both ranked #4 nationally. Other standout programs include Biomedical Engineering and Civil Engineering, each ranked #12. The Medill School of Journalism has produced over 40 Pulitzer Prize winners, while the Kellogg School of Management is ranked #3 nationally.

2. What is Northwestern University’s ranking?

Northwestern University consistently ranks among the top schools in the United States and the world. The U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Northwestern as #6 among national universities.

3. What is Northwestern’s college acceptance rate?

Northwestern’s college acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 7.5%. Out of approximately 50,000 applicants, only 2,100 were admitted. This acceptance rate is comparable to many Ivy League schools, whose rates often range from 3% to 7%, which puts Northwestern in the same competitive league.

4. How hard is it to get into Northwestern?

With an acceptance rate of 7.5%, getting into Northwestern is hard. To improve your chances, aim for SAT scores between 1460-1540 or ACT scores between 33-35, and maintain a GPA of 4.1 or higher. Strong extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and compelling personal essays are crucial.

Takeaways

So, why Northwestern? Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• One of the many reasons why Northwestern is a top choice is its highly ranked programs, including the Kellogg School of Management and the Medill School of Journalism.
• The strong alumni network is another reason why Northwestern stands out, with over 260,000 alumni worldwide to provide students access to mentors, internships, and job leads across every industry.
• The Quarter System gives students the flexibility to take more classes, explore various subjects, and easily integrate internships or study abroad programs into their schedules.
• Another reason why Northwestern is a leader in higher education is its commitment to research and innovation, with over $1 billion in research funding and countless opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in projects.
• Still unsure if Northwestern is really the university for you? Consider working with a college admissions consultant for expert and personalized advice.