Academic Comparison between Rutgers and Northwestern University

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Rutgers is a four-year, public school located in New Brunswick, NJ and Northwestern University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Rutgers is a public and Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than Rutgers ($36,001).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than Rutgers.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,380) than Rutgers (1,380).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Rutgers (31).
  • Rutgers has more students with 50,637 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Rutgers's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Rutgers has more full-time faculties with 3,456 faculties while Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Rutgers University-New Brunswickvs.Northwestern University
New Brunswick, New JerseyLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$17,239
Out-Of-State$36,001
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
62%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$11,439Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
65.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
27.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,380SAT Score1,530
31ACT Score34
84 %Graduation Rate96 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate-
92 %Retention Rate98 %
50,637Student Population23,161
3,456Number of Faculties2,325
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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