Northwestern vs. Luther- Norse

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Luther College in Decorah, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Luther College is in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Luther College 9:1.

Northwestern vs. Luther- Norse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Luther- Norse? 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 Luther College than Northwestern ($24,511 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 45.4% lower than at Northwestern University ($11,530 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 31.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Luther- Norse (about $16,202 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at Northwestern than at Luther College (about $16,202 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Luther College than at Northwestern University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 57.5% larger than aid received by Luther College students ($64,429 vs. $40,917).

Northwestern vs. Luther- Norse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or Luther- Norse? 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 Luther- Norse and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 300 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Luther College 1078/1406.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Luther College 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Luther- Norse - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Luther- Norse has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 19.9% at Luther- Norse.

Northwestern vs. Luther- Norse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Luther- Norse? 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $39,800 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $7,622 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($19,378 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Luther- Norse students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.