Emory University vs Northwestern University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Emory University and Northwestern University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Emory University vs Northwestern University at a glance
Emory University admits 10.7% of applicants and Northwestern University 7.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $16,754 at Emory University and $34,420 at Northwestern University. Six-year graduation rates are 91% and 96.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Emory University admits 10.7% of applicants and Northwestern University 7.7%, so Northwestern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $16,754 a year at Emory University and $34,420 at Northwestern University; Emory University costs $17,666 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $10,593 at Emory University and $1,427 at Northwestern University.
- 91% of students graduate within six years at Emory University, against 96.1% at Northwestern University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $93,897 for Emory University and $104,255 for Northwestern University; Northwestern University is $10,358 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,000 at Emory University and $17,017 at Northwestern University.
- Emory University enrolls 7,298 students (large city) and Northwestern University 9,201 (small city).
Side by side
Emory University and Northwestern University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Emory University | Northwestern University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 7.7% |
| Applicants | 33,435 | 47,636 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1470–1550 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 32–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $16,754 | $34,420 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,056 | $70,589 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,056 | $70,589 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,414 | $94,854 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $10,593 | $1,427 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,932 | $7,536 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,448 | $8,811 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $13,089 | $18,954 |
| Over $110,000 | $49,057 | $56,074 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 91% | 96.1% |
| First-year retention | 95.7% | 98.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $93,897 | $104,255 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,000 | $17,017 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $136 | $193 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,298 | 9,201 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Atlanta, GA | Evanston, IL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Emory University reports 52 bachelor's programs and Northwestern University 85; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Emory University vs Northwestern University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Emory University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Emory University admits 10.7% of applicants and Northwestern University admits 7.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Emory University 1470–1550; Northwestern University 1510–1570.
Which is cheaper, Emory University or Northwestern University?
Emory University has the lower average net price after grants: $16,754 a year at Emory University against $34,420 at Northwestern University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $10,593 and $1,427. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Emory University or Northwestern University graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the median: $93,897 ten years after entry for Emory University and $104,255 for Northwestern University. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,000 and $17,017.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Emory University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University does: 91% of Emory University students graduate within six years, against 96.1% at Northwestern University.
How big are Emory University and Northwestern University?
Emory University has 7,298 students in Atlanta, GA and Northwestern University has 9,201 students in Evanston, IL.