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Northwest University vs Washington State University

Northwest University is a private university in Kirkland, WA, and Washington State University is a public university in Pullman, WA. Northwest University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 87% at Washington State University. Washington State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,971 a year against $22,288 at Northwest University. About 67% of students graduate at Northwest University, compared with 61% at Washington State University. Ten years after enrolling, Washington State University alumni earn a median of about $68,905, against $54,914 for Northwest University.

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Kirkland, WA
Pullman, WA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
645
21,099
Acceptance rate
83%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1350
1020–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,288
$14,971
Full cost / yr
$50,501
$27,648
In-state tuition
$36,035
$13,391
Out-of-state tuition
$36,035
$29,950
Application fee
$30
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,996
$7,074
$30k - $48k
$14,384
$8,971
$48k - $75k
$17,840
$11,519
$75k - $110k
$22,644
$18,426
Over $110k
$28,570
$24,726
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
61%
Freshman retention
84%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,495
$53,510
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$68,905
Median debt at graduation
$20,891
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
27%
First-generation students
36%
34%
International students
6%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Mar 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 Washington State University harder to get into?
Northwest University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 87% at Washington 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, Northwest University or Washington State University?
Washington State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,971 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 Washington State University?
Before aid, Washington State University costs about $27,648 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 Washington State University?
Washington State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,074 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 Washington State University?
Washington State University is the larger of the two, with about 21,099 undergraduates against 645 at Northwest University.
Does Northwest University or Washington State University have a better graduation rate?
Northwest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 61% at Washington State University.
Do graduates of Northwest University or Washington State University earn more?
Washington State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,905 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Northwest University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northwest University and Washington State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Northwest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washington State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Northwest University and Washington State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1350 at Northwest University and 1020–1210 at Washington State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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