Northwest University vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest University in Kirkland, WA with Washington State University in Pullman, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington State University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest University 9:1; Washington State University 15:1.

Northwest University vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest University or Washington State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washington State University than Northwest University ($18,171 vs. $24,251).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 17.9% lower than at Washington State University ($11,180 vs. $13,622).
• Northwest University is 169.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington State (about $22,644 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $13,391.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at Northwest University than at Washington State University (about $6,085 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at Washington State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest University students is 139% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($26,017 vs. $10,886).

Northwest University vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwest University or Washington State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Washington State and Northwest University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest University (1200) is 80 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest University 1040/1350; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWashington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest University - Test optional; Washington State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Northwest University (83.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.8% at Northwest University vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Northwest University vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest University and Washington State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $1,103 lower median loan debt than Northwest University graduates ($20,429 vs. $21,532).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest University graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.