OSU vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with Northwest University in Kirkland, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Northwest University 9:1.

OSU vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU or Northwest 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 Oregon State University than Northwest University ($22,467 vs. $24,251).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 31.8% lower than at Oregon State University ($11,180 vs. $16,386).
• Northwest University is 150.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than OSU (about $21,635 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $14,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at OSU than at Northwest University (about $2,155 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Oregon State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest University students is 131.7% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($26,017 vs. $11,230).

OSU vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU or Northwest 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 Northwest University and OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is 70 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Test optional; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than OSU (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

OSU vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU and Northwest 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).

• Oregon State University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $1,968 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($21,532 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OSU graduates ($222 vs. $242).
• More OSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 62%)

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.