University of Chicago vs Northwestern University
University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and Northwestern University about 8%, making University of Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,860 a year at University of Chicago after aid, and about $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 95% at University of Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $89,363 for Northwestern University.
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- Is University of Chicago or Northwestern University harder to get into?
- University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 8% at Northwestern 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, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
- University of Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,860 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 University of Chicago and Northwestern University?
- Before aid, University of Chicago costs about $90,360 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, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
- University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $1,764 at Northwestern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
- Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
- Does University of Chicago or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
- Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 95% at University of Chicago.
- Do graduates of University of Chicago or Northwestern University earn more?
- University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $89,363 for Northwestern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Chicago and Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Chicago and Northwestern University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago and 1510–1570 at Northwestern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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