Northwestern vs. Transylvania University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Transylvania University in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Transylvania University based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 1,006 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Transylvania University is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Transylvania University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Transylvania University 10:1.

Northwestern vs. Transylvania University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Transylvania 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 Transylvania University than Northwestern ($25,442 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Transylvania University are 30.4% lower than at Northwestern University ($14,697 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 45.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Transylvania University (about $21,452 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $46,870.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.8% higher at Northwestern than at Transylvania University (about $21,452 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $46,870.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Transylvania University than at Northwestern University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 79.5% larger than aid received by Transylvania University students ($64,429 vs. $35,903).

Northwestern vs. Transylvania University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or Transylvania 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 Transylvania University and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 290 points higher than at Transylvania University (1250).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Transylvania University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Transylvania University 1120/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Transylvania University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Transylvania University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Transylvania University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Transylvania University (3.77).
• Transylvania University has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 16.3% at Transylvania University.

Northwestern vs. Transylvania University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Transylvania 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Transylvania University's (70%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $41,100 more per year than Transylvania University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $48,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $7,622 lower median loan debt than Transylvania University graduates ($19,378 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Transylvania University graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Transylvania University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 75%)

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.