Illinois urbana-champaign vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 42.4% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,322 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 42.4% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1440).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $81K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 49,474 |
| International students | 25% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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