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Northwestern University vs Principia College

Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. Principia College is a private college in Elsah, IL. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants and Principia College about 44%, making Northwestern University the harder of the two to get into. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 75% at Principia College.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private
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Principia College

Elsah, IL · Private
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At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Evanston, IL
Elsah, IL
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
9,201
339
Acceptance rate
8%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.36–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
1040–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
19–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,167
Not reported
Full cost / yr
$91,250
Not reported
In-state tuition
$68,322
$34,680
Out-of-state tuition
$68,322
$34,680
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,764
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$6,099
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$7,898
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$18,282
Not reported
Over $110k
$48,777
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
75%
Freshman retention
98%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,844
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,363
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
0%
First-generation students
15%
Not reported
International students
12%
41%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Northwestern University or Principia College harder to get into?
Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 44% at Principia College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is bigger, Northwestern University or Principia College?
Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 339 at Principia College.
Does Northwestern University or Principia College have a better graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 75% at Principia College.
Do Northwestern University and Principia College require SAT or ACT scores?
Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Principia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Northwestern University and Principia College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Northwestern University and 1040–1250 at Principia College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Northwestern University vs University of ChicagoNorthwestern University vs Northern Illinois UniversityNorthwestern University vs DePaul UniversityPrincipia College vs The Chicago School at ChicagoPrincipia College vs Rush UniversityPrincipia College vs Methodist College

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