Northwest University vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest University in Kirkland, WA with Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Washington University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest University 9:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

Northwest University vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest University or Western Washington University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwest University than Western Washington University ($24,251 vs. $24,338).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 29% lower than at Western Washington University ($11,180 vs. $15,747).
• Northwest University is 276.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $26,453 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.5% higher at Northwest University than at Western Washington University (about $7,328 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Western Washington University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest University students is 276.9% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($26,017 vs. $6,902).

Northwest University vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest University or Western Washington University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western Washington University and Northwest University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Washington University (1270) is 70 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest University 1040/1350; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest University - Test optional; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Washington University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than Northwest University (83.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.8% at Northwest University vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

Northwest University vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest University and Western Washington University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Western Washington University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $2,119 lower median loan debt than Northwest University graduates ($19,413 vs. $21,532).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest University graduates ($200 vs. $222).
• More Western Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.