Northwestern College vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rockhurst University is larger than Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (3,577 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

Northwestern College vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst University than Northwestern College ($25,787 vs. $26,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 8.6% lower than at Rockhurst University ($10,900 vs. $11,920).
• Rockhurst University is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $8,256 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at Rockhurst than at Northwestern College (about $8,256 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at Rockhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 46.8% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($34,562 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst and Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 90 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Rockhurst students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Northwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockhurst students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Northwestern College (3.57).
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

Northwestern College vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College and Rockhurst? 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).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Northwestern College's (66%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $4,592 lower median loan debt than Northwestern College graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,092).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwestern College graduates ($211 vs. $259).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockhurst students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 74%)

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.