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