Academic Comparison between Northwestern and UNL

Northwestern University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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 UNL is a four-year, public school located in Lincoln, NE.

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 UNL is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than UNL ($28,584).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UNL.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than UNL (1,200).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (34) than UNL (24).
  • UNL has more students with 24,393 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UNL's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Northwestern has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while UNL has 1,296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Evanston, IllinoisLocationLincoln, Nebraska
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$10,434
Out-Of-State$28,584
52%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$59,150Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,570
7.69 %Acceptance Rates87.49 %
55.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.79 %
1,540SAT Score1,200
34ACT Score24
95 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate3 %
98 %Retention Rate86 %
23,856Student Population24,393
2,442Number of Faculties1,296
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 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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