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DePaul University vs Northwestern University

DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, IL. Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants and DePaul University about 76%, making Northwestern University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,167 a year at Northwestern University after aid, and about $30,902 at DePaul University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 69% at DePaul University. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $68,751 for DePaul University.

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Evanston, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,090
9,201
Acceptance rate
76%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1330
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,902
$29,167
Full cost / yr
$63,052
$91,250
In-state tuition
$45,999
$68,322
Out-of-state tuition
$45,999
$68,322
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,359
$1,764
$30k - $48k
$25,950
$6,099
$48k - $75k
$28,687
$7,898
$75k - $110k
$31,057
$18,282
Over $110k
$37,092
$48,777
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
96%
Freshman retention
86%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,695
$76,844
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,751
$89,363
Median debt at graduation
$23,168
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
19%
First-generation students
30%
15%
International students
4%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is DePaul University or Northwestern University harder to get into?
Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 76% at DePaul 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, DePaul University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,167 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,902 at DePaul 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 DePaul University and Northwestern University?
Before aid, DePaul University costs about $63,052 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, DePaul University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 there, against about $27,359 at DePaul University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, DePaul University or Northwestern University?
DePaul University is the larger of the two, with about 14,090 undergraduates against 9,201 at Northwestern University.
Does DePaul University or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 69% at DePaul University.
Do graduates of DePaul 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 $68,751 for DePaul University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do DePaul University and Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
DePaul 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 DePaul University and Northwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1330 at DePaul University and 1510–1570 at Northwestern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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