Academic Comparison between Northwestern and UI

Northwestern University and University of Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and UI is a four-year, public school located in Iowa City, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) and UI is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UI.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than UI (1,230).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (34) than UI (24).
  • UI has more students with 30,779 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UI's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • UI has more full-time faculties with 2,474 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.University of Iowa
Evanston, IllinoisLocationIowa City, Iowa
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,3222025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
52%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$59,150Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,070
7.69 %Acceptance Rates83.62 %
55.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.43 %
1,540SAT Score1,230
34ACT Score24
95 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
98 %Retention Rate90 %
23,856Student Population30,779
2,442Number of Faculties2,474
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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