Northwestern vs. Beloit College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Beloit College in Beloit, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Beloit College based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 1,004 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Beloit College is in Beloit, WI (Small Suburban setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Beloit College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Beloit College 12:1.

Northwestern vs. Beloit College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Beloit 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 Beloit College than Northwestern ($24,455 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Beloit College are 46.7% lower than at Northwestern University ($11,264 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Beloit College (about $7,436 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $60,886.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Northwestern than at Beloit College (about $7,436 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $60,886.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Beloit College than at Northwestern University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 36.7% larger than aid received by Beloit College students ($64,429 vs. $47,119).

Northwestern vs. Beloit College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 220 points higher than at Beloit College (1320).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Beloit College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Beloit College 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Beloit College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Beloit College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Beloit College (3.33).
• Beloit College has a higher acceptance rate (63%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 9.2% at Beloit College.

Northwestern vs. Beloit College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Beloit 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Beloit College's (76%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $43,900 more per year than Beloit College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $7,622 lower median loan debt than Beloit College graduates ($19,378 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Beloit College graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Beloit College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 77%)

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.