Northwestern vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 10.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #101-150). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 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 Emory 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 10.7% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1520).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $80K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 91.1%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $67,329).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 34,614 |
| International students | 20% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Emory?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do Northwestern or Emory graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Emory?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Emory?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $67,329 at Emory.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
North carolina