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Western Washington University vs Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, WA, and Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education is a private university in Kirkland, WA. Western Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 100% at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. Western Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,193 a year against $35,671 at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. About 65% of students graduate at Western Washington University, compared with 40% at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. Ten years after enrolling, Western Washington University alumni earn a median of about $62,569, against $54,914 for Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education.

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

Kirkland, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bellingham, WA
Kirkland, WA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,544
405
Acceptance rate
93%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1390
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,193
$35,671
Full cost / yr
$30,359
$40,568
In-state tuition
$9,582
$14,652
Out-of-state tuition
$28,707
$14,652
Application fee
$70
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,915
$34,739
$30k - $48k
$14,147
$29,036
$48k - $75k
$17,539
$33,605
$75k - $110k
$24,301
$38,666
Over $110k
$27,984
$40,245
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
40%
Freshman retention
79%
50%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,272
$50,495
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,569
$54,914
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$20,891
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
18%
First-generation students
27%
36%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 31
Aug 31

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 Western Washington University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education harder to get into?
Western Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 100% at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Western Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,193 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,671 at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. 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 Western Washington University and Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Before aid, Western Washington University costs about $30,359 a year and Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education about $40,568. 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, Western Washington University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Western Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,915 there, against about $34,739 at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Western Washington University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education?
Western Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 13,544 undergraduates against 405 at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education.
Does Western Washington University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education have a better graduation rate?
Western Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 40% at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education.
Do graduates of Western Washington University or Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education earn more?
Western Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,569 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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