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