Chicago State University vs Northwestern University
Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL, and Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 43% at Chicago State University. Chicago State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,335 a year against $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.
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- Is Chicago State University or Northwestern University harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 43% at Chicago State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Northwestern University?
- Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,167 at Northwestern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and Northwestern University?
- Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and Northwestern University about $91,250. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or Northwestern University?
- Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 there, against about $9,073 at Chicago State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Chicago State University or Northwestern University?
- Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
- Does Chicago State University or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
- Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 16% at Chicago State University.
- Do graduates of Chicago State University or Northwestern University earn more?
- Northwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,363 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Chicago State University and Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Chicago State University and Northwestern University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 1510–1570 at Northwestern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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