College Comparison
George Washington University vs Northwestern University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Evanston, IL
Total Enrollment
25,374
23,856
Undergrad Enrollment
11,677
9,399
Student-Faculty Ratio
13:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
47.1%
7.7%
Average GPA
3.83
4.00
SAT Range
1350–1500
1510–1570
ACT Range
31–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
27,016
49,474
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,356
$83,517
Avg Net Price
$37,454
$27,143
Tuition (In-State)
$60,856
$62,391
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$60,856
$62,391
Room & Board
$20,500
$21,126
% Receiving Aid
78.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$37,500
$64,429
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
96.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$90,873
$89,363
More Comparisons
Compare George Washington with...
View George Washington profile →
Compare Northwestern with...
View Northwestern profile →
Explore by Location
George Washington is in Washington, DC
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at George Washington University is $37,454 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $10,311 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at George Washington University typically score between 1350-1500 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
George Washington University has a graduation rate of 84%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
George Washington University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At George Washington University, 78% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $37,500. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.
The median earnings for George Washington University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $90,873, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from George Washington University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
George Washington University is located in Washington, DC in a city: large setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.

