College Comparison
Northwestern University vs Smith College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Evanston, IL
Northampton, MA
Total Enrollment
23,856
2,857
Undergrad Enrollment
9,399
2,549
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
8:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.7%
21.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.90
SAT Range
1510–1570
1420–1540
ACT Range
33–35
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$0
Total Applicants
49,474
8,666
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$83,517
$81,080
Avg Net Price
$27,143
$26,181
Tuition (In-State)
$62,391
$58,480
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,391
$58,480
Room & Board
$21,126
$22,600
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$64,429
$58,725
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
91.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$64,027
More Comparisons
Compare Northwestern with...
View Northwestern profile →
Compare Smith with...
View Smith profile →
Explore by Location
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Smith is in Northampton, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $26,181 at Smith College. Smith College is $962 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Smith College, the typical SAT range is 1420-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Smith College has a graduation rate of 91%. 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 Smith College has a ratio of 8:1. 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 Smith College, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $58,725.
The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, compared to $64,027 for Smith College graduates. Graduates from Northwestern 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. Smith College is located in Northampton, MA in a city: small setting.

