Northwestern vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 7.7% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $68,686 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: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 7.7% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $89K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 95.1%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 65,236 |
| International students | 20% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Penn?
It's harder to get into Penn. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Northwestern or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Penn?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Penn?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $70,971 at Penn.
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