Northwestern vs Rhode Island - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Rhode Island accepts most of the applications it receives (72.2%), while Northwestern turns away the overwhelming majority (7.7%).
The more international environment is at Northwestern (11.8% international students) than Rhode Island (1.2%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Northwestern awards international students $74,103 on average, Rhode Island awards $26,565.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Northwestern lists $96,182 against $54,758 (Rhode Island), but after average aid what remains is $28,072 against $37,163.
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.69% vs 72.2% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #801-900). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $70,589 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 Rhode Island for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.69% vs 72.2% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1160).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $70K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $70,589); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 7.69% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 16.4% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.65 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 28,021 |
| International students | 11.8% | 1.2% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $70K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 85% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,589 | $38,398 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $17,595 |
| % of need met | 100% | 57% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $42,945 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 14,466 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Rhode Island?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.69% of applicants, while Rhode Island accepts 72.2%.
Do Northwestern or Rhode Island graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Rhode Island?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,589 per year at Northwestern and $38,398 per year at Rhode Island.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Rhode Island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Northwestern and 1160 at Rhode Island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Northwestern or Rhode Island?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #801-900 for Rhode Island.
Which university offers more financial aid - Northwestern or Rhode Island?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $17,595 at Rhode Island.
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