Rhode Island vs Northwestern - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Rhode Island accepts most of the applications it receives (72.2%), while Northwestern turns away the overwhelming majority (7.7%).
The more international environment is at Northwestern (11.8% international students) than Rhode Island (1.2%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Northwestern awards international students $74,103 on average, Rhode Island awards $26,565.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Northwestern lists $96,182 against $54,758 (Rhode Island), but after average aid what remains is $28,072 against $37,163.
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.69% vs 72.2% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $70,589 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 Rhode Island for: lower tuition.
Choose Northwestern 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
Northwestern is more selective (7.69% vs 72.2% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1160).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $70K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $70,589); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode Island | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | - | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 7.69% |
| Yield rate | 16.4% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.65 | - |
| Number of applications | 28,021 | 49,474 |
| International students | 1.2% | 11.8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $89K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 98% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $38,398 | $70,589 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,595 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 57% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $42,945 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,466 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode Island or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Rhode Island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.69%.
Do Rhode Island or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode Island vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,398 per year at Rhode Island and $70,589 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode Island or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode Island and 1540 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Rhode Island or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode Island vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid - Rhode Island or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $17,595 at Rhode Island and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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