Northwestern Acceptance Rate: Class of 2030 (Latest)

Northwestern accepted just 7.0% of applicants for the Class of 2030. This marks a return to the historic low seen for the Class of 2025. The acceptance rate has tightened noticeably since the 9.3% mark set by the Class of 2024.

Northwestern Acceptance Rate: Class of 2030

Northwestern reported an acceptance rate of 7.0% for the Class of 2030.[1] These are the figures the university announced for the cycle; the Common Data Set for this class publishes later in the year.

Figures are for Early Decision only. The university has not yet published exact overall counts, with officials reporting 'over 54,000' total applications and an overall acceptance rate of 'around 7%'. Exact ED admits were also not disclosed, only that they comprise more than half of the incoming class of ~2,100.

Northwestern Acceptance Rate by Year

Across the 7 cycles with official figures, the acceptance rate has fallen from 8.5% (Class of 2022) to 7.7% (Class of 2028).[2]

Class	Applied	Admitted	Acceptance rate
2028	49,474	3,806	7.7%
2027	51,769	3,739	7.2%
2026	51,261	3,695	7.2%
2025	47,636	3,321	7.0%
2024	39,263	3,654	9.3%
2023	40,585	3,673	9.1%
2022	40,425	3,422	8.5%

Northwestern Waitlist Statistics

For the Class of 2028, Northwestern and 59 were ultimately admitted.[2]

Class	Offered a place	Accepted a place	Admitted off the waitlist
2028	n/a	n/a	59
2027	n/a	n/a	55
2026	n/a	n/a	83
2025	n/a	n/a	69
2024	n/a	n/a	108
2023	3,067	2,107	55
2022	2,861	1,859	24

Admitted Student Test Scores (Class of 2028)

The middle 50% of enrolled students scored:[2]

• SAT (combined mid-50%): 1510–1570 (EBRW 740–770, Math 770–800)
• ACT composite (mid-50%): 34–35

The combined SAT range is the sum of the two section ranges, not a true composite percentile.

Northwestern Yield Rate

Of the 3,806 students admitted to the Class of 2028, 2,105 enrolled, a yield rate of 55.3%.[2] Yield is what the university is really managing when it sets an admit rate, so it moves the acceptance rate more than application volume does.

Class	Admitted	Enrolled	Yield
2028	3,806	2,105	55.3%
2027	3,739	2,111	56.5%
2026	3,695	2,038	55.2%
2025	3,321	2,086	62.8%
2024	3,654	1,901	52.0%
2023	3,673	2,006	54.6%
2022	3,422	1,931	56.4%

What This Means for Your Application

• Target high test scores: A competitive SAT score falls between 1510 and 1570, while successful ACT applicants typically present a 34 or 35.
• Maximize your math score: You should aim for near perfection in quantitative skills because the middle range for the SAT Math section is 770 to 800.
• Consider waitlist odds low: Relying on the waitlist is risky since only 59 students gained admission this way for the Class of 2028.
• Expect heavy applicant volume: You must find ways to distinguish yourself because 49,474 students applied for a spot in the Class of 2028.