Northwestern vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 89% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #501-600). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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 West virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 89% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1122).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $56K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 20,150 |
| International students | 20% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 100% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or West virginia?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Northwestern or West virginia graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or West virginia?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or West virginia?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $16,730 at West virginia.
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