Debate Division

Policy Debate for Current Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors

6-Week Policy Debate Residential Program: June 29 – August 10, 2019; $7,000

4-Week Policy Debate Residential Program: June 29 – July 27, 2019; $5,275

1-Week Policy Debate Residential Program: July 28 – August 3, 2019; $1,450

Commuter Option for local residents

6-Week Policy Debate Commuter Program: June 29 – August 9, 2019; $5,600

4-Week Policy Debate Commuter Program: June 29 – July 26, 2019; $3,500

The Northwestern Debate Institute over the past three years of my attendance gave me endless transformative educational experiences. Whether it was learning the technicalities of policy debate or real-world argumentation skills, NDI assisted greatly in my ability to articulate myself. This institute was a significant factor in my success as a debater and an individual. Without the assistance of this institution, I do not believe I would be attending Harvard University nor successfully competing on the national circuit. — Amado Candelario, Chicago Scholar ’16, ’17, ’18

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The Northwestern Debate Institute is an unequaled living-learning experience for high school debaters. The institute will provide an intensive and comprehensive summer debate experience that will prepare debaters for next season and beyond. Northwestern University’s Debate Team has an unparalleled record of success based on the foundations, fundamentals and techniques taught at the Northwestern Debate Institute. Learn the debate principles that have led to 15 NDT championships, 16 final round appearances, 6 top speakers – a record of success unmatched in college debate. Come join our program for rising Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors to learn with and debate against the best competition in the country. Alumni of the Northwestern Debate Institute have gone on to win every major high school tournament.

Northwestern really helped me see why debate is so useful and helpful, and gave me the tools to be more successful and therefore find more enjoyment from it.”

The limited lab size and low student to staff ratio throughout our program ensure that every student receives a personalized and engaged institute experience. Lab environments are designed to create the collegial atmosphere that allows intellectual risk taking and for students to truly explore the life of the mind. Debaters leaving the Northwestern Debate Institute have the best chance to excel as they return to their own high schools, having learned the upcoming topic and skills from the finest instructors around the country as well as those from the unsurpassed Northwestern University Debate Society.

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NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
National Debate Tournament CHAMPIONS
2015 •2011 • 2005 • 2003 • 2002 • 1999 • 1998 • 1995

1994 • 1980 • 1978 • 1973 • 1966 • 1959 • 1958

National Debate Tournament TOP SPEAKERS
2011 • 2006 • 2000 • 1999 • 1998 • 1996 •
1989 • 1973 • 1968 • 1966 • 1962

Northwestern is the “winningest” debate society in the National Debate Tournament history with 15 titles.

Debate Division – Application Information and Deadlines – Tuition and Fees – Scholarships and Financial Aid – FAQ’s

Typical Day – 6-Week Policy Debate – 4-Week Policy Debate – Policy Debate Commuter Option – 1-Week Policy Debate – Debate at Northwestern – Faculty Bios