Northwestern vs. Case Western

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Case Western based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 12,475 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Case Western Reserve University 9:1.

Northwestern vs. Case Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Case Western? 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 Northwestern University than Case Western ($26,830 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Case Western Reserve University are 11.2% lower than at Northwestern University ($18,762 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Case Western (about $1,714 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at Northwestern than at Case Western Reserve University (about $1,714 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at Northwestern University (88% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 53.7% larger than aid received by Case Western Reserve University students ($64,429 vs. $41,913).

Northwestern vs. Case Western Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or Case Western? 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 Case Western and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Case Western (1490).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Case Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Case Western Reserve University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Case Western - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Case Western Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Case Western (3.86).
• Case Western has a higher acceptance rate (36.5%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 11.9% at Case Western.

Northwestern vs. Case Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Case Western? 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 Case Western Reserve University's (78%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Case Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $84,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $4,688 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($19,378 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($200 vs. $248).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Case Western students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

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.