Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Northwestern University

Fort Collins, CO — Evanston, IL

Metric
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Location Fort Collins, CO Evanston, IL
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 25,538 9,201
Acceptance Rate 88.5% 7.7%
SAT Average 1,533
In-State Tuition $13,373 $68,322
Out-of-State Tuition $34,783 $68,322
Avg Net Price $21,279 $29,167
Median Debt at Graduation $20,000 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 66.7% 95.5%
Retention Rate 85.9% 98.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,748 $76,844
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,543 $89,363
Loan Repayment Rate 769900.0% 204100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
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Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Colorado State University-Fort Collins and Northwestern University compare?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Fort Collins, CO) has an acceptance rate of 88.5%, in-state tuition of $13,373, and median 10-year earnings of $60,543. Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) has an acceptance rate of 7.7%, in-state tuition of $68,322, and median 10-year earnings of $89,363.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,363 vs $60,543. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or Northwestern University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the more affordable option at $21,279 per year versus $29,167.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.5% vs 66.7%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025