Northwestern University vs UChicago: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northwestern University and University of Chicago, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northwestern University vs UChicago at a glance
Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and UChicago 4.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,420 at Northwestern University and $16,776 at UChicago. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 95%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and UChicago 4.5%, so UChicago is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,420 a year at Northwestern University and $16,776 at UChicago; UChicago costs $17,644 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,427 at Northwestern University and $394 at UChicago.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Northwestern University, against 95% at UChicago.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $104,255 for Northwestern University and $103,872 for UChicago; Northwestern University is $383 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,017 at Northwestern University and $12,000 at UChicago.
- Northwestern University enrolls 9,201 students (small city) and UChicago 7,569 (large city).
Side by side
Northwestern University and UChicago 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 | Northwestern University | UChicago |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 4.5% |
| Applicants | 47,636 | 37,974 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,420 | $16,776 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,589 | $73,962 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,589 | $73,962 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,854 | $94,971 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,427 | $394 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,536 | $1,148 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,811 | $2,800 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,954 | $7,744 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,074 | $49,769 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 95% |
| First-year retention | 98.1% | 99.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $104,255 | $103,872 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,017 | $12,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $193 | $136 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 9,201 | 7,569 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Evanston, IL | Chicago, 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
Northwestern University reports 85 bachelor's programs and UChicago 50; 40 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northwestern University vs UChicago
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or UChicago?
UChicago is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and UChicago admits 4.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northwestern University 1510–1570; UChicago 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or UChicago?
UChicago has the lower average net price after grants: $34,420 a year at Northwestern University against $16,776 at UChicago. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,427 and $394. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northwestern University or UChicago graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the median: $104,255 ten years after entry for Northwestern University and $103,872 for UChicago. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,017 and $12,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northwestern University or UChicago?
Northwestern University does: 96.1% of Northwestern University students graduate within six years, against 95% at UChicago.
How big are Northwestern University and UChicago?
Northwestern University has 9,201 students in Evanston, IL and UChicago has 7,569 students in Chicago, IL.