by our College Data Analytics TeamMake the best college choice by understanding the true cost of college. Start by understanding the yearly costs at Northwestern University.
On this page you will find:
This school prices housing and dining separately. The on-campus housing cost for a typical student was $12,645 in 2026, with the price of an average meal plan at $8,481. When you add it all up, the average on-campus student at Northwestern University faced a yearly bill of about $29,829 in 2026 once room, board, books and other living expenses are included.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for Northwestern University.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $24,762 | $24,762 |
| — Housing | $12,645 | |
| — Meals | $8,481 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $3,273 | $3,273 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,794 | $1,794 |
| Total | $29,829 | $29,829 |
Housing and dining costs rarely hold still from one year to the next. Looking at the trend gives you a realistic picture of what you will actually spend by graduation.
The projected four-year total comes to about $132,452 in housing, food and other expenses.
See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at Northwestern University.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $21,507 |
| Two Years Ago | $22,746 |
| One Year Ago | $23,607 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $24,762 |
| One Year From Now * | $26,011 |
| Two Years From Now * | $27,323 |
| Three Years From Now * | $28,701 |
| Four Years From Now * | $30,149 |
* estimated
Room and board changed an average of 5.0% a year over the last three years. If current trends continue, incoming first-year students would pay about $31,078 in their first year.
Continuing the same trend, the final-year cost would be roughly $35,216 for a bachelor’s program; a two-year student would see about $32,390 by the end of a two-year program.
Over the entire degree (assuming you graduate on time), the total comes to about $132,452 for a four-year degree, versus about $63,468 for a two-year (associate) degree.
Expect modest annual increases in room and board, and factor that growth into your long-term budget.
Review the table below for the on-campus housing details this school reports.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 4,476 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |