Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

23,203

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

491

491 programs

Full-Time Students

8,794

363 part-time

Total FTE

20,158

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

339

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

10406

Total Recent Graduates

With 23,203 students, Northwestern University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 491 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 8,794 (96.0%)

96.0%

Part-Time Students 363 (4.0%)

Total Students 9,157

Predominantly full-time students (96.0%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (37.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

54.7%

12,695 students

Men

45.3%

10,508 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

34.7%

8,040 students

White

34.7% (8,040)

International Students

21.3% (4,948)

Asian

16.4% (3,799)

Hispanic/Latino

10.4% (2,420)

Black/African American

6.0% (1,386)

Two or More Races

4.8% (1,120)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1% (20)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (16)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 23,203 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 35% of the student body (8,040 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

9,157 students

45% Men, 55% Women

8,794 Full-time 363 Part-time

Diversity Index: 79% • Minority Students: 44%

Graduate students

14,046 students

45% Men, 55% Women

10,657 Full-time 3,389 Part-time

Diversity Index: 76% • Minority Students: 26%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

19,451

All full-time students

8,878 men, 10,573 women

Diversity: 79%

FT Undergraduate

8,794

Full-time undergraduate

3,992 men, 4,802 women

Diversity: 79%

FT Degree-Seeking

8,732

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

3,976 men, 4,756 women

Diversity: 79%

FT First-Time

2,111

Full-time first-time students

965 men, 1,146 women

Diversity: 81%

FT Continuing

6,621

Full-time continuing students

3,011 men, 3,610 women

Diversity: 79%

FT Transfer

237

Full-time transfer students

117 men, 120 women

Diversity: 78%

FT Continuing

6,384

Full-time other continuing

2,894 men, 3,490 women

Diversity: 78%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

16 men, 46 women

Diversity: 21%

FT Graduate

10,657

Full-time graduate students

4,886 men, 5,771 women

Diversity: 75%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

3,752

All part-time students

1,630 men, 2,122 women

Diversity: 73%

PT Undergraduate

363

Part-time undergraduate

138 men, 225 women

Diversity: 75%

PT Degree-Seeking

228

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

98 men, 130 women

Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

228

Part-time continuing students

98 men, 130 women

Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

228

Part-time other continuing

98 men, 130 women

Diversity: 72%

PT Non-Degree

135

Part-time non-degree seeking

40 men, 95 women

Diversity: 71%

PT Graduate

3,389

Part-time graduate students

1,492 men, 1,897 women

Diversity: 73%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

3,099

White

666

Black/African American

1,356

Hispanic/Latino

1,954

Asian

937

International

Diversity Index: 79% Minority Students: 44%

Graduate students

4,941

White

720

Black/African American

1,064

Hispanic/Latino

1,845

Asian

4,011

International

Diversity Index: 76% Minority Students: 26%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Northwestern University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northwestern University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 23,203 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 20,158 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (6:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8474913741

Address

633 Clark St

Evanston, IL 60208

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials