Academic Comparison between UI and Northwestern

University of Iowa and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UI is a four-year, public school located in Iowa City, IA 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.

  • UI 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 UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UI.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,230) than UI (1,230).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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

University of Iowavs.Northwestern University
Iowa City, IowaLocationEvanston, 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$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
69%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$10,070Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
83.62 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
22.43 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,230SAT Score1,540
24ACT Score34
75 %Graduation Rate95 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate98 %
30,779Student Population23,856
2,474Number of Faculties2,442
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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