North carolina vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 15.3% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina 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 15.3% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1439).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $72K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 49,474 |
| International students | 9% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do North carolina or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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