Iowa state vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 88.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state 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 88.7% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1204).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $63K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | — | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 49,474 |
| International students | 8% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Iowa state or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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