College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Northwestern University vs Southern Methodist University

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

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Evanston, IL

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

23,856

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

9,399

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.7%

63.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.66

SAT Range

1510–1570

1340–1490

ACT Range

33–35

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$60

Total Applicants

49,474

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$83,517

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$27,143

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$62,391

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,391

$55,012

Room & Board

$21,126

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$64,429

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,363

$78,354

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Northwestern University is $14,635 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. 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 Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University 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. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.