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Northwest University vs Northwest College of Art & Design

Northwest University is a private university in Kirkland, WA. Northwest College of Art & Design is a private for-profit college in Tacoma, WA. Northwest College of Art & Design admits about 66% of applicants and Northwest University about 83%, making Northwest College of Art & Design the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,418 a year at Northwest College of Art & Design after aid, and about $22,288 at Northwest University. About 67% of students graduate at Northwest University, compared with 48% at Northwest College of Art & Design. Ten years after enrolling, Northwest University alumni earn a median of about $54,914, against $31,167 for Northwest College of Art & Design.

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private

Northwest College of Art & Design

Tacoma, WA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Kirkland, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
645
139
Acceptance rate
83%
66%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.57–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1350
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,288
$16,418
Full cost / yr
$50,501
$30,038
In-state tuition
$36,035
$18,100
Out-of-state tuition
$36,035
$18,100
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,996
$12,977
$30k - $48k
$14,384
$11,857
$48k - $75k
$17,840
$17,146
$75k - $110k
$22,644
$24,031
Over $110k
$28,570
$29,101
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
48%
Freshman retention
84%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,495
$27,505
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$31,167
Median debt at graduation
$20,891
$30,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
51%
First-generation students
36%
Not reported
International students
6%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 15

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 Northwest University or Northwest College of Art & Design harder to get into?
Northwest College of Art & Design is harder to get into. It admits about 66% of applicants, compared with 83% at Northwest 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, Northwest University or Northwest College of Art & Design?
Northwest College of Art & Design is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,418 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,288 at Northwest 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 Northwest University and Northwest College of Art & Design?
Before aid, Northwest College of Art & Design costs about $30,038 a year and Northwest University about $50,501. 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, Northwest University or Northwest College of Art & Design?
Northwest College of Art & Design. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,977 there, against about $17,996 at Northwest University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northwest University or Northwest College of Art & Design?
Northwest University is the larger of the two, with about 645 undergraduates against 139 at Northwest College of Art & Design.
Does Northwest University or Northwest College of Art & Design have a better graduation rate?
Northwest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 48% at Northwest College of Art & Design.
Do graduates of Northwest University or Northwest College of Art & Design earn more?
Northwest University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,914 ten years after enrolling, against about $31,167 for Northwest College of Art & Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northwest University and Northwest College of Art & Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Northwest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwest College of Art & Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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