Northwestern vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 7.7% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $89K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 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 graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Stanford 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
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 7.7% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 91.9%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $68,322); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 60,646 |
| International students | 20% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $75 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Northwestern or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Stanford?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $75,816 at Stanford.
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