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