Washington university vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Northwestern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, 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 12.1% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1530).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $86K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,322); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 49,474 |
| International students | 27% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 98% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Washington university or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Northwestern?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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