Northwestern vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 94.2% 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 $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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 Texas rio grande valley 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 94.2% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 985).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $50K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 12,137 |
| International students | 20% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 100% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Northwestern or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Texas rio grande valley?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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