Northwestern vs. Wheaton College

Comparable Facts

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

Northwestern University is larger than Wheaton College based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 2,874 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northwestern vs. Wheaton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Wheaton 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 Northwestern University than Wheaton College ($26,830 vs. $31,356).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheaton College are 38.4% lower than at Northwestern University ($13,010 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 50% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheaton College (about $22,776 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50% higher at Northwestern than at Wheaton College (about $22,776 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheaton College than at Northwestern University (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 130.2% larger than aid received by Wheaton College students ($64,429 vs. $27,987).

Northwestern vs. Wheaton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 170 points higher than at Wheaton College (1370).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Wheaton College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Wheaton College 1260/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Wheaton College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Wheaton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Wheaton College (3.75).
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 29.9% at Wheaton College.

Northwestern vs. Wheaton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Wheaton 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 Wheaton College's (87%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $35,500 more per year than Wheaton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $3,122 lower median loan debt than Wheaton College graduates ($19,378 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheaton College graduates ($200 vs. $232).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwestern students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 87%)

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.