Southern california vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 9.8% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #33). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
Choose Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 9.8% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1495).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 91.8%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 49,474 |
| International students | 27% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 98% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Southern california or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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