Northwestern vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with University of Dayton in Dayton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Northwestern vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton ($26,830 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dayton are 20.5% lower than at Northwestern University ($16,800 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 39% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $19,182 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at Northwestern than at University of Dayton (about $19,182 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Northwestern University (95% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 92.8% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($64,429 vs. $33,418).

Northwestern vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 250 points higher than at University of Dayton (1290).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at University of Dayton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Northwestern vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $32,500 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $6,622 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($19,378 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($200 vs. $268).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dayton 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.