Northwestern vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with University of Minnesota Rochester in Rochester, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

Northwestern vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota Rochester than Northwestern ($14,953 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Minnesota Rochester are 33.8% lower than at Northwestern University ($13,994 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 355% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Minnesota-Rochester (about $53,306 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 355% higher at Northwestern than at University of Minnesota Rochester (about $53,306 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Minnesota Rochester than at Northwestern University (78% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 358.3% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students ($64,429 vs. $14,057).

Northwestern vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 370 points higher than at University of Minnesota-Rochester (1170).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at University of Minnesota-Rochester).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; University of Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• University of Minnesota-Rochester has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

Northwestern vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $31,600 more per year than University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $58,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $807 lower median loan debt than University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates ($19,378 vs. $20,185).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates ($200 vs. $208).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Minnesota-Rochester students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 74%)

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.