Northwestern vs Central florida — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #401-500). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Central florida for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 40.1% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1269).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $58K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 55,135 |
| International students | 20% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 100% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $75 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do Northwestern or Central florida graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Central florida?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Central florida?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $11,814 at Central florida.
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