Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Northwestern University

Columbus, OH — Evanston, IL

Metric
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Location Columbus, OH Evanston, IL
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 45,638 9,201
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 7.7%
SAT Average 1,387 1,533
In-State Tuition $13,244 $68,322
Out-of-State Tuition $40,022 $68,322
Avg Net Price $17,339 $29,167
Median Debt at Graduation $19,976 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 87.7% 95.5%
Retention Rate 94.2% 98.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $51,438 $76,844
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,409 $89,363
Loan Repayment Rate 1822700.0% 204100.0%

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

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Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH
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Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Ohio State University-Main Campus and Northwestern University compare?
Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $13,244, and median 10-year earnings of $60,409. 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, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,363 vs $60,409. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Northwestern University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Ohio State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $17,339 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 87.7%.

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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