College Comparison
Northwestern University vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Evanston, IL
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
23,856
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
9,399
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.7%
12.1%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1510–1570
1500–1570
ACT Range
33–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$75
Total Applicants
49,474
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$83,517
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$27,143
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$62,391
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,391
$59,420
Room & Board
$21,126
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$64,429
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$86,182
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Explore by Location
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is $5,026 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. 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 Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. 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 Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.