The College Monk

Northwestern University SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA 2026

What SAT, ACT scores and GPA do you need for Northwestern University? See the latest score ranges, admission requirements, deadlines, and tips for 2026.

Expert Reviewed Written by

Published Apr 14, 2026 • Updated Apr 14, 2026 • 2 min read

Our Commitment to Accuracy — The College Monk's editorial team verifies all information against official university data and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Data is updated for the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn about our editorial process.

Northwestern University SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA Requirements 2026

What SAT and ACT scores do you need to get into Northwestern University? The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1430-1550, with an average of 1490. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 7.7%, making it highly selective. Here is everything you need to know about test scores and academic requirements.

Quick Facts

MetricValue
Acceptance Rate7.7%
SAT Score Range (25th-75th)1430 - 1550
Average SAT Score1490
ACT Score Range (25th-75th)33 - 35
Average ACT Score34
Application DeadlineFALSE

SAT Score Requirements

The middle 50% of admitted students at Northwestern University score between 1430 and 1550 on the SAT. This means 25% of admitted students scored below 1430, and 25% scored above 1550.

SAT Section25th Percentile75th Percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing700760
Math730790
Composite14301550

What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University? To be competitive, aim for at least 1520. A score of 1550 or above puts you in the top 25% of admitted students.

ACT Score Requirements

The middle 50% ACT composite score range at Northwestern University is 33-35.

GPA Requirements

Northwestern University does not publicly report an average GPA for admitted students. Focus on maintaining the strongest possible academic record and challenging yourself with rigorous coursework.

Application Deadlines

Deadline TypeDate
Early Decision1-Nov
Regular DecisionFALSE

Cost Overview

Cost CategoryAmount
In-State Tuition$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition$68,322

Check Your Chances

Use our Admissions Calculator to see how your scores compare to admitted students at Northwestern University. You can also view the full Northwestern University profile for more details on programs, campus life, and financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average SAT score for Northwestern University?
The average SAT score for admitted students at Northwestern University is 1490.

What ACT score do I need for Northwestern University?
The average ACT score is 34.

Is Northwestern University hard to get into?
With an acceptance rate of 7.7%, Northwestern University is extremely selective. Only a small fraction of applicants are admitted.

Free Weekly Newsletter

Never Miss a Deadline Again

Scholarship alerts, application tips, and FAFSA reminders delivered every Tuesday. Free, useful, no fluff.

Subscribe Free →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Key Takeaways

Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.

Want to boost your college admissions odds?

Explore our free tools: College Comparison and Admissions Calculator — built on data from 3,800+ universities.

Compare Colleges →Admissions Calculator →

🎯 What Are Your Chances?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars to see your admission probability at 1,400+ colleges.

Try the Free Admissions Calculator →

📋 The College Planning Kit — $29.99

Application checklists, financial aid worksheets, comparison templates, and deadline trackers. Everything you need in one kit.

Get the Kit →

Recommended Test Prep Resources

Princeton Review

Industry-leading SAT, ACT & graduate test prep with score guarantees.

View Courses
Magoosh

Affordable online test prep with video lessons and practice questions.

Start Prep
Khan Academy (Free)

Official College Board partner. 100% free SAT practice and personalized plans.

Free Practice

Recent Articles

Federal vs Private Student Loans in 2026: Which to Borrow First (and Why Order Matters)

Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Student Loans: The Difference Is Free Money

The Student Loan Grace Period: What It Buys You, and the Trap Hiding Inside It

Best US Cities for International Students 2026: Beyond NYC and Boston

How to Apply to College on a Budget: Fee Waivers, Free Tools, Smart Picks

Common App Essay Prompts 2026-2027: Reading Between the Lines

Explore More Resources

Browse ScholarshipsAthletic ScholarshipsStudent Loans GuideCompare CollegesBest Online CollegesAll Articles