Northwestern vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 93.5% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #301-400). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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 Kansas 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 93.5% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1190).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $62K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $19,700).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 22,363 |
| International students | 20% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 86% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Northwestern or Kansas graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Kansas?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Kansas?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $19,700 at Kansas.
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