Northwestern vs. Viterbo

Comparable Facts

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

Northwestern University is larger than Viterbo based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 2,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northwestern vs. Viterbo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University than Northwestern ($21,933 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Viterbo University are 46.4% lower than at Northwestern University ($11,320 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 99.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Viterbo (about $34,072 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.5% higher at Northwestern than at Viterbo University (about $34,072 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Viterbo University than at Northwestern University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 173.3% larger than aid received by Viterbo University students ($64,429 vs. $23,573).

Northwestern vs. Viterbo Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 330 points higher than at Viterbo (1210).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 24 at Viterbo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Viterbo University 1040/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Viterbo University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Viterbo - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Viterbo (3.5).
• Viterbo has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 15.9% at Viterbo.

Northwestern vs. Viterbo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University's (49%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $45,500 more per year than Viterbo graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $7,622 lower median loan debt than Viterbo graduates ($19,378 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Viterbo graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Viterbo students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 68%)

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.