Northwestern University Demographics & Diversity Overview

53%
Minority Students
55%
Female Students
11%
International
51
States Represented

Race & Ethnicity

Northwestern University has a diverse student body with 53% students of color and 11% international students, creating a rich multicultural learning environment that celebrates students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White
41.0%(3,767)
Hispanic
14.8%(1,361)
African American
7.4%(681)
Asian
22.9%(2,101)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0.2%(17)
Pacific Islander
0.1%(12)
Two or More Races
7.3%(671)
Unknown
6.2%(573)

Diversity Highlights

Students of Color53%
Total Enrollment26,993
International Students11%

Cultural Engagement

Northwestern University offers numerous cultural organizations, diversity programs, and multicultural events that celebrate the rich backgrounds of our student community.

Gender Distribution

Northwestern University has a gender distribution of 55% female students and 45% male students.

Overall Gender Distribution

Men
45.3%(4,622)
Women
54.7%(5,588)

Gender Statistics

Men4,622

17% of total enrollment

Women5,588

21% of total enrollment

Age Distribution

Northwestern University serves a diverse student population across multiple age demographics. The university enrolls 79% traditional college-age students (18-21 years old) and 3% non-traditional students aged 25 and older.

Undergraduate Ages

Under 18
1.2%(114)
18-19
42.3%(3,875)
20-21
46.1%(4,216)
22-24
7.4%(673)
25+
3.0%(277)

Graduate Student Ages

Under 18
0.0%(1)
18-19
0.0%(2)
20-21
1.2%(170)
22-24
28.1%(3,940)
25+
70.7%(9,925)

Age Diversity Insights

79%

Traditional Age (18-21)

3%

Non-Traditional (25+)

62%

Graduate Students

Geographic Diversity

Northwestern University attracts students from across the United States and internationally, with 11% international students contributing to a globally diverse campus community. The student body includes 21% in-state residents, 68% out-of-state students, and 11% international students, creating rich cross-cultural learning opportunities.

Geographic Origin

In-State
21.0%(443)
Out-of-State
68.5%(1,445)
International
10.6%(223)

Regional Representation

In-State443

21% of student body

Out-of-State1,445

68% of student body

International223

11% of student body

States Represented

All 50 states and Washington D.C. are represented on campus.

Diversity Metrics

Ethnic Diversity

53%

Students of Color

Gender Balance

55%

Female Students

Global Reach

11%

International

Age Diversity

3%

Non-Traditional Age