College Comparison
Ohio State University vs Northwestern University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
School
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Ohio State | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.8% | 7.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1330–1480 | 1490–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–32 | 33–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $38,365wins | $65,997 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,292wins | $27,143 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $60,409 | $89,363wins |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% | 95.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.1% | 97.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 44,617wins | 8,960 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northwestern edges out Ohio State on 7 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.
Ohio State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $38,365
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,292
- ✓Total Enrollment: 44,617
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $89,363
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