Northwestern University: programs, outcomes and local jobs

Northwestern University at a glance

• 9,201

  students enrolled

• 8,967

  degrees and certificates a year

• 95%

  of students complete

  College Scorecard

• $29,167

  average net price a year

  Tuition $64,887

• $76,844

  median earnings, 6 years after entry

• $89,363

  median earnings, 10 years after entry

  87% working

What students study

AI and data programs

Degrees and certificates awarded in 2024, by program area and level, from IPEDS completions.

The job market around Northwestern University

Professional jobs listed in the cities of Cook County, where the college is.

• 9,992

  open professional jobs

• 975

  entry level

  74 say no experience is needed

• 11%

  ask for AI skills

  1,091 jobs

• 5.9%

  unemployment in Cook County

  2026-08 · up 1.2 points from a year earlier

• $81,797

  median household income

  Cook County

• 46%

  of workers are in professional jobs

  estimated 4.0% unemployment among them

Jobs that fit what students study here: most degrees are in business & management, engineering, communication & journalism, which lead to finance (1,571 open), sales (1,408 open), operations (965 open), marketing (510 open), human resources (502 open), strategy (156 open).

Hiring most: Northern Trust (148), Mars (81), Arthur J. Gallagher (79), Gallagher Bassett (74), Gallagher (72), West Monroe (71), Michael Page (69), PwC (69).

What they hire for: Finance (1,571), Sales (1,408), Engineering (1,372), Operations (965), Data & Analytics (697), Marketing (510). Finance jobs

Job search help near campus

Workforce board: LWIA 7.

• American Job Center at the King CenterChicago · 773-538-5627 · Monday 08:30-17:00, Tuesday 08:30-17:00, Wednesday 08:30-17:00, Thursday 08:30-17:00, Friday 08:30-17:00,
• American Job Center at Truman CollegeChicago · Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• American Job Center in MaywoodMaywood · 708-223-2652 · Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00
• American Job Center in North RiversideNorth Riverside · 708-222-3100 · 8:30am -5:00pm Monday - Friday
• American Job Center in PilsenChicago · 312-994-8305 · Monday 08:30-17:00, Tuesday 08:30-17:00, Wednesday 08:30-17:00, Thursday 08:30-17:00, Friday 08:30-17:00
• American Job Center in WheelingWheeling Illinois · 847-484-8187 · Monday 08:30-17:00, Tuesday 08:30-17:00, Wednesday 08:30-17:00, Thursday 08:30-17:00, Friday 08:30-17:00

American Job Centers are free, public career offices.

Similar colleges in Illinois

• University of ChicagoChicago · 7,569 students
• Loyola University ChicagoChicago · 11,737 students
• Columbia College ChicagoChicago · 5,368 students
• National Louis UniversityChicago · 4,406 students
• DePaul UniversityChicago · 14,090 students
• Lewis UniversityRomeoville · 4,015 students

All Illinois colleges

Common questions

How big is Northwestern University?

Northwestern University enrolls about 9,201 students and is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Evanston, Illinois. It awards about 8,967 degrees and certificates a year.

What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University?

95% of students complete, from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS 2023 / Scorecard 2026-06).

What do Northwestern University graduates earn?

Median earnings of students who received federal aid are $76,844 six years after entry and $89,363 ten years after entry, from the College Scorecard.

Does Northwestern University offer AI or data science degrees?

Yes. Northwestern University awarded degrees or certificates in artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, mechatronics and automation (bachelor, master) in 2024, from IPEDS completions by program.

Are there jobs near Northwestern University?

9,992 open professional jobs are listed in Cook County, 975 of them entry level and 74 saying no experience is needed. Northern Trust has the most openings.