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What is Northwestern University's student-to-faculty ratio?

29 Sept 2026 · Answered by Mahalakshmi K · 1 min read
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Northwestern University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, one of the lowest among major US research universities. This low ratio supports closer interaction with professors across its 50-plus departments and programs, which together serve more than 23,000 total students, including over 9,000 undergraduates and 14,000-plus graduate students currently enrolled.

Mahalakshmi K
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A low student-to-faculty ratio at Northwestern means you are likely to get more direct access to professors than at many large research universities. This is one of the reasons the school stands out academically.

Northwestern Student-Faculty Ratio And Scale

MetricFigure
Student-to-Faculty Ratio6:1
Total Students23,431
Undergraduate Students9,000+
Graduate Students14,000+
Departments and Programs50+

Why Class Size Matters At Northwestern

Combined with its quarter system of 4 terms a year, Northwestern's smaller class sizes let you explore more subjects and potentially pursue a double major or study abroad program alongside closer faculty mentorship.

My Advice

If small class sizes and direct faculty access matter to your learning style, factor Northwestern's 6:1 ratio into your university comparisons, alongside its quarter system, which changes how you plan your course load each year.

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