Northwestern vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 16.8% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #201-300). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($89K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher graduation rate, 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 16.8% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1480).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 95.1%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 58,951 |
| International students | 20% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Northwestern or Virginia graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $89K at Northwestern and $87K at Virginia.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Virginia?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Virginia?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $37,123 at Virginia.
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