North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Northwestern University

Fargo, ND — Evanston, IL

Metric
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Location Fargo, ND Evanston, IL
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 9,471 9,201
Acceptance Rate 95.0% 7.7%
SAT Average 1,150 1,533
In-State Tuition $11,110 $68,322
Out-of-State Tuition $15,764 $68,322
Avg Net Price $15,543 $29,167
Median Debt at Graduation $23,199 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 63.8% 95.5%
Retention Rate 78.4% 98.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $54,312 $76,844
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,203 $89,363
Loan Repayment Rate 549700.0% 204100.0%

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

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North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND
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Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do North Dakota State University-Main Campus and Northwestern University compare?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus (Fargo, ND) has an acceptance rate of 95.0%, in-state tuition of $11,110, and median 10-year earnings of $62,203. 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 Dakota State University-Main Campus or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,363 vs $62,203. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, North Dakota State University-Main Campus or Northwestern University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), North Dakota State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $15,543 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 63.8%.

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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