Academic Comparison between UI and Northwestern University

University of Iowa and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UI is a four-year, public school located in Iowa City, IA 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.

  • UI 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 UI ($32,927).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than UI.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,220) than UI (1,220).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (25) than UI (25).
  • UI has more students with 30,015 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UI's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • UI has more full-time faculties with 2,485 faculties while Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Iowavs.Northwestern University
Iowa City, IowaLocationEvanston, 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$10,964
Out-Of-State$32,927
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
70%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$10,058Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
85.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
23.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,220SAT Score1,530
25ACT Score34
73 %Graduation Rate96 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate98 %
30,015Student Population23,161
2,485Number of Faculties2,325
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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