Northwestern University vs Chamberlain University-Illinois
Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL, and Chamberlain University-Illinois is a private for-profit university in Addison, IL. Northwestern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 83% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Northwestern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $29,167 a year against $31,837 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 45% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Ten years after enrolling, Chamberlain University-Illinois alumni earn a median of about $92,405, against $89,363 for Northwestern University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Evanston, IL
Addison, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,201
14,027
Acceptance rate
8%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
770–850
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
14–17
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,167
$31,837
Full cost / yr
$91,250
$40,826
In-state tuition
$68,322
$21,536
Out-of-state tuition
$68,322
$21,536
Application fee
$75
$95
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,764
$30,013
$30k - $48k
$6,099
$30,090
$48k - $75k
$7,898
$34,050
$75k - $110k
$18,282
$32,607
Over $110k
$48,777
$40,826
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
45%
Freshman retention
98%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,844
$84,533
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,363
$92,405
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$20,919
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
33%
First-generation students
15%
47%
International students
12%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling
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.
- Is Northwestern University or Chamberlain University-Illinois harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 83% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or Chamberlain University-Illinois?
- Northwestern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,167 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,837 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. 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 Northwestern University and Chamberlain University-Illinois?
- Before aid, Chamberlain University-Illinois costs about $40,826 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, Northwestern University or Chamberlain University-Illinois?
- Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 there, against about $30,013 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Northwestern University or Chamberlain University-Illinois?
- Chamberlain University-Illinois is the larger of the two, with about 14,027 undergraduates against 9,201 at Northwestern University.
- Does Northwestern University or Chamberlain University-Illinois have a better graduation rate?
- Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 45% at Chamberlain University-Illinois.
- Do graduates of Northwestern University or Chamberlain University-Illinois earn more?
- Chamberlain University-Illinois alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,405 ten years after enrolling, against about $89,363 for Northwestern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northwestern University and Chamberlain University-Illinois require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Chamberlain University-Illinois considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Northwestern University and Chamberlain University-Illinois look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Northwestern University and 770–850 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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