Academic Comparison between UNL and Northwestern

University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UNL is a four-year, public school located in Lincoln, NE 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.

  • UNL 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 UNL ($28,584).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UNL.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,200) than UNL (1,200).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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

University of Nebraska-Lincolnvs.Northwestern University
Lincoln, NebraskaLocationEvanston, 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$10,434
Out-Of-State$28,584
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
85%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$10,570Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
87.49 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
29.79 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,200SAT Score1,540
24ACT Score34
67 %Graduation Rate95 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate98 %
24,393Student Population23,856
1,296Number of Faculties2,442
17 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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