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Loyola University Chicago vs Northwestern University

Loyola University Chicago is a private 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 82% at Loyola University Chicago. Northwestern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $29,167 a year against $36,079 at Loyola University Chicago. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 75% at Loyola University Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $71,530 for Loyola University Chicago.

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Evanston, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,737
9,201
Acceptance rate
82%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1360
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,079
$29,167
Full cost / yr
$67,408
$91,250
In-state tuition
$53,710
$68,322
Out-of-state tuition
$53,710
$68,322
Application fee
Not reported
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,992
$1,764
$30k - $48k
$28,663
$6,099
$48k - $75k
$32,432
$7,898
$75k - $110k
$36,853
$18,282
Over $110k
$42,346
$48,777
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
96%
Freshman retention
82%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,411
$76,844
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,530
$89,363
Median debt at graduation
$24,157
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
19%
First-generation students
28%
15%
International students
2%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Loyola University Chicago or Northwestern University harder to get into?
Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 82% at Loyola University Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Loyola University Chicago or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,167 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,079 at Loyola University Chicago. 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 Loyola University Chicago and Northwestern University?
Before aid, Loyola University Chicago costs about $67,408 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, Loyola University Chicago or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 there, against about $28,992 at Loyola University Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Loyola University Chicago or Northwestern University?
Loyola University Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 11,737 undergraduates against 9,201 at Northwestern University.
Does Loyola University Chicago or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 75% at Loyola University Chicago.
Do graduates of Loyola University Chicago or Northwestern University earn more?
Northwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,363 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,530 for Loyola University Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Loyola University Chicago and Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Loyola University Chicago 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 Loyola University Chicago and Northwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1360 at Loyola University Chicago 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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