College Comparison
Northwestern University vs Santa Clara University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Evanston, IL
Santa Clara, CA
Total Enrollment
23,856
9,728
Undergrad Enrollment
9,399
6,577
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.7%
48.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.74
SAT Range
1510–1570
1350–1490
ACT Range
33–35
31–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$70
Total Applicants
49,474
18,970
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$83,517
$76,773
Avg Net Price
$27,143
$50,959
Tuition (In-State)
$62,391
$56,880
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,391
$56,880
Room & Board
$21,126
$19,893
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
71.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$64,429
$28,368
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
85.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$109,183
More Comparisons
Compare Northwestern with...
View Northwestern profile →
Compare Santa Clara with...
View Santa Clara profile →
Explore by Location
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. Northwestern University is $23,816 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Santa Clara University, the typical SAT range is 1350-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Northwestern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Santa Clara University has a ratio of 11:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $64,429. At Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,368.
The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, compared to $109,183 for Santa Clara University graduates. Graduates from Santa Clara University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting. Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting.

