Northwestern vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 42.4% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #55). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign 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 42.4% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1440).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $81K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 73,742 |
| International students | 20% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Northwestern or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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