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Northwest University vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Northwest University is a private university in Kirkland, WA. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a public university in Tacoma, WA. Both admit about 83% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $10,163 a year at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus after aid, and about $22,288 at Northwest University. About 67% of students graduate at Northwest University, compared with 63% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. Ten years after enrolling, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus alumni earn a median of about $78,466, against $54,914 for Northwest University.

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Kirkland, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
645
4,185
Acceptance rate
83%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1350
960–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,288
$10,163
Full cost / yr
$50,501
$25,346
In-state tuition
$36,035
$13,168
Out-of-state tuition
$36,035
$43,404
Application fee
$30
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,996
$4,458
$30k - $48k
$14,384
$6,135
$48k - $75k
$17,840
$6,748
$75k - $110k
$22,644
$11,449
Over $110k
$28,570
$22,183
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
63%
Freshman retention
84%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,495
$62,979
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$78,466
Median debt at graduation
$20,891
$14,615
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
40%
First-generation students
36%
33%
International students
6%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
May 31

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 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 83% of applicants. 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 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,163 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 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
Before aid, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus costs about $25,346 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 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,458 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 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is the larger of the two, with about 4,185 undergraduates against 645 at Northwest University.
Does Northwest University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus have a better graduation rate?
Northwest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 63% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus.
Do graduates of Northwest University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus earn more?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,466 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Northwest University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northwest University and University of Washington-Tacoma Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Northwest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Northwest University and University of Washington-Tacoma Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1350 at Northwest University and 960–1180 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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