Maryland (UMBC) vs Northwestern - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Maryland (UMBC) accepts most of the applications it receives (72.4%), while Northwestern turns away the overwhelming majority (7.7%).
The larger international cohort belongs to Northwestern: 11.8% of students against 4.8% (Maryland (UMBC)).
Average aid for an international student is $74,103 (Northwestern) and $13,080 (Maryland (UMBC)).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Northwestern lists $96,182 against $54,581 (Maryland (UMBC)), but after average aid what remains is $28,072 against $39,869.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.69% vs 72.43% 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 ($32,735 vs $70,589 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 (7.69% vs 72.43% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1540 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 ($32,735 vs $70,589); 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 | 72.43% | 7.69% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.13 | - |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 49,474 |
| International students | 4.8% | 11.8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $89K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $45K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $32,735 | $70,589 |
| 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 72.43% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.69%.
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 $32,735 per year at Maryland (UMBC) and $70,589 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 1540 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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