Academic Comparison between Rutgers and Northwestern

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Rutgers is a four-year, public school located in New Brunswick, NJ and Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL.

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.

  • Rutgers is a public and Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than Rutgers ($37,441).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than Rutgers.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,410) than Rutgers (1,410).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Rutgers (31).
  • Rutgers has more students with 52,269 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Rutgers's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Rutgers has more full-time faculties with 3,426 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Rutgers University-New Brunswickvs.Northwestern University
New Brunswick, New JerseyLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$17,929
Out-Of-State$37,441
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
57%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$14,869Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
58.15 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
20.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,410SAT Score1,540
31ACT Score34
84 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate98 %
52,269Student Population23,856
3,426Number of Faculties2,442
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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