North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Northwestern University

Raleigh, NC — Evanston, IL

Metric
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Location Raleigh, NC Evanston, IL
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 27,371 9,201
Acceptance Rate 41.7% 7.7%
SAT Average 1,376 1,533
In-State Tuition $8,799 $68,322
Out-of-State Tuition $32,847 $68,322
Avg Net Price $17,303 $29,167
Median Debt at Graduation $20,121 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.7% 95.5%
Retention Rate 94.5% 98.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,623 $76,844
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,758 $89,363
Loan Repayment Rate 703000.0% 204100.0%

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

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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
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Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do North Carolina State University at Raleigh and Northwestern University compare?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) has an acceptance rate of 41.7%, in-state tuition of $8,799, and median 10-year earnings of $68,758. 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, North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,363 vs $68,758. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Northwestern University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the more affordable option at $17,303 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 84.7%.

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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