Northwestern vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #151-200). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 Rochester 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 40.1% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1488).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $79K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 21,384 |
| International students | 20% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 100% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Northwestern or Rochester graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Rochester?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Rochester?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $60,879 at Rochester.
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