At a glance
Located in nearby Evanston with a Chicago campus for graduate programs, Northwestern blends a residential college feel with major research capabilities and strong arts, engineering, and journalism.
Distinctive strengths
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Interdisciplinarity: Easy to mix CS with music tech, journalism with design, etc.
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Co-op & experiential learning: Labs, studios, and industry projects built into majors.
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Arts & media: Student productions, radio, and film scene punch above their weight.
Student life
Lakefill sunsets, a compact walkable core, and a train ride into Chicago for internships and weekend culture.
Admissions & fit tips
Demonstrate range—how you connect disciplines in real projects. Portfolios, demos, or writing samples help readers see your craft.
Affordability
Stack scholarships with campus jobs and paid project roles; ask about research assistant openings your first term.
Career pathways
Media, engineering, product, biosciences, consulting, and grad school. Practice interviewing early and keep a running portfolio site.
Visit plan
Morning tour → engineering or journalism building stop → late lunch downtown Evanston → afternoon on the lakefront.
