by our College Data Analytics TeamBelow you’ll find the current tuition and fees at Northwestern University, and how those costs compare to other schools over time.
For the latest reported year, tuition and fees at Northwestern University amounted to $68,322 for the year for full-time undergrads. This rate applies regardless of state residency.
The fees portion of those totals amounted to $1,164; the remainder is straight tuition.
| Most Recent Reported Year | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $67,158 |
| Fees | $1,164 |
| Total | $68,322 |
The figures above are for a single year of attendance and leave out room and board.
Keep in mind that a number of students receive financial aid and scholarships that lower what they actually pay. The numbers on this page are sticker price.
How much would Northwestern University cost for part-time students? Go to the Cost Per Credit Hour page for specifics.
For some context, here is how Northwestern University prices compare to peer schools. Each label reflects how the school sits versus the average of that group.
| Nationwide | In IL | Similar Colleges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | Expensive | Expensive | Expensive |
Compared to colleges across the country, Northwestern University runs on the expensive side.
Remember that a school can look pricey on sticker price alone yet be a better deal after financial aid. Visit the Northwestern University Financial Aid page for more.
Below is how tuition at Northwestern University has trended over the last several reported years.
| Year | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $60,276 |
| Two Years Ago | $62,391 |
| One Year Ago | $64,887 |
| Most Recent Year | $67,158 |
Below, the chart plots how tuition at Northwestern has changed across the reported years.
Over the most recent year, tuition climbed 3.5%. Projecting that pace ahead one year puts tuition + fees around $70,713 in the following year.
At most colleges, tuition edges up a little each year, so plan for the cost in later years to exceed today’s posted rate.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about college tuition and fees for additional detail.
Over the reported years, tuition and fees grew at an average annual rate of 3.98%, putting next year’s cost near $71,043.
If that pace holds, here is what tuition and fees could look like over the next five years:
| Academic Year | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|
| Next Year | $71,043 |
| In 2 Years | $73,873 |
| In 3 Years | $76,815 |
| In 4 Years | $79,874 |
| In 5 Years | $83,055 |
When you map out how you’ll pay, build in these annual increases — the running four-year out-of-state total projects near $301,605.
A tuition figure is only part of the conversation — grant aid and scholarships often reduce the actual price families pay.
To learn about financial aid at Northwestern University, check out the Northwestern University Financial Aid page.
