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College Comparison

Northwestern University vs Santa Clara University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
Santa Clara University
#79
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Private
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
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Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Santa Clara University.

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.