Northwest University vs. Whitman College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest University in Kirkland, WA with Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Whitman College is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (1,561 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting); Whitman College is in Walla Walla, WA (Remote Town setting).
• Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest University 9:1; Whitman College 10:1.

Northwest University vs. Whitman College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest University or Whitman College? 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 Whitman College ($24,251 vs. $37,633).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 25.9% lower than at Whitman College ($11,180 vs. $15,080).
• Whitman College is 77.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $28,015 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.7% higher at Whitman College than at Northwest University (about $28,015 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Whitman College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitman College students is 55.6% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($40,489 vs. $26,017).

Northwest University vs. Whitman College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest University or Whitman College? 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 Whitman College and Northwest University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitman College (1400) is 200 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest University 1040/1350; Whitman College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWhitman College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest University - Test optional; Whitman College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027; Whitman College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitman College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Whitman College (38.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.8% at Northwest University vs. 14.1% at Whitman College.

Northwest University vs. Whitman College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest University and Whitman College? 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).

• Whitman College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Whitman College earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitman College graduates have a $4,032 lower median loan debt than Northwest University graduates ($17,500 vs. $21,532).
• Among borrowers, Whitman College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest University graduates ($180 vs. $222).
• More Whitman College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (93% 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.