Whittier College vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

Compare Whittier College in Whittier, CA with Northwest University in Kirkland, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (1,053 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Whittier College is located in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Whittier College 8:1; Northwest University 9:1.

Whittier College vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Whittier College 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 Northwest University than Whittier College ($24,251 vs. $28,101).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 34.6% lower than at Whittier College ($11,180 vs. $17,082).
• Whittier College is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $15,315 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at Whittier College than at Northwest University (about $15,315 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Whittier College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 39% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($36,176 vs. $26,017).

Whittier College vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Whittier College 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 Whittier College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whittier College (1240) is 40 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Whittier College 1140/1340; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Whittier College - Test-free; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whittier College 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 Whittier College (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.4% at Whittier College vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

Whittier College vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Whittier College 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).

• Whittier College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Whittier College earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $3,968 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($21,532 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Whittier College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.