Northwestern University vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public university in Carbondale, IL. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale about 87%, making Northwestern University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,297 a year at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale after aid, and about $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 59% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Evanston, IL
Carbondale, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,201
8,494
Acceptance rate
8%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
900–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,167
$13,297
Full cost / yr
$91,250
$28,329
In-state tuition
$68,322
$13,334
Out-of-state tuition
$68,322
$13,334
Application fee
$75
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,764
$9,415
$30k - $48k
$6,099
$8,497
$48k - $75k
$7,898
$10,308
$75k - $110k
$18,282
$17,724
Over $110k
$48,777
$23,254
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
59%
Freshman retention
98%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,844
$43,087
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,363
$53,390
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$21,543
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
39%
First-generation students
15%
35%
International students
12%
2%
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 87% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,297 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,167 at Northwestern 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 Northwestern University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
- Before aid, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs about $28,329 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
- Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 there, against about $9,415 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Northwestern University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
- Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 8,494 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
- Does Northwestern University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale have a better graduation rate?
- Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 59% at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
- Do graduates of Northwestern University or Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn more?
- Northwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,363 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,390 for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northwestern University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Northwestern University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Northwestern University and 900–1160 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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