Northwestern University vs Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university in Edwardsville, IL. Northwestern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 98% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,889 a year against $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 56% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Ten years after enrolling, Northwestern University alumni earn a median of about $89,363, against $56,346 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Evanston, IL
Edwardsville, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,201
8,750
Acceptance rate
8%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,167
$14,889
Full cost / yr
$91,250
$28,919
In-state tuition
$68,322
$12,922
Out-of-state tuition
$68,322
$12,922
Application fee
$75
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,764
$8,483
$30k - $48k
$6,099
$8,587
$48k - $75k
$7,898
$11,116
$75k - $110k
$18,282
$19,351
Over $110k
$48,777
$24,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
56%
Freshman retention
98%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,844
$46,384
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,363
$56,346
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
33%
First-generation students
15%
31%
International students
12%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
May 1
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 Edwardsville harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 98% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 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 Edwardsville?
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,889 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 Edwardsville?
- Before aid, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville costs about $28,919 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 Edwardsville?
- Northwestern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,764 there, against about $8,483 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 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 Edwardsville?
- Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 8,750 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
- Does Northwestern University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have a better graduation rate?
- Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 56% at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
- Do graduates of Northwestern University or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn more?
- Northwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,363 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,346 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northwestern University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Northwestern University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at Northwestern University and 950–1190 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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