College Comparison
Northwestern University vs RPI: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
School
RPI
Troy, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Northwestern | RPI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 7.1%wins | 58.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1560wins | 1330–1500 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 30–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,997 | $61,884wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,143wins | $33,139 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $89,363 | $102,051wins |
| Graduation Rate | 95.9%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 97.4%wins | 88.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 14:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,960wins | 5,909 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northwestern edges out RPI on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $27,143
RPI Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $61,884
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,051
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.