Maryland (umbc) vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 72.4% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) 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 72.4% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1323).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $70K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | — | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | — |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 49,474 |
| International students | 17% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 47% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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