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Northwestern University vs Texas A&M University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

7.0% Northwestern acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$121,440 Texas A&M cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Northwestern
Evanston, Illinois
Private
Founded
1851
Enrollment
23,094
Setting
Suburban
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Texas A&M saves $23,381
Northwestern
$63,468
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Northwestern more selective
Northwestern
7.0%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Northwestern higher
Northwestern
95%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Northwestern higher
Northwestern
1520
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Northwestern higher
Northwestern
$80,600
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Northwestern Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,468$40,087Texas A&M
Tuition (In-State)$63,468$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$19,917$12,938Texas A&M
Acceptance Rate7.0%63.0%Northwestern
Graduation Rate95%83%Northwestern
Average SAT15201290Northwestern
Student-Faculty Ratio6:119:1Northwestern
Enrollment23,09474,829-
Avg Financial Aid$48,640$13,700Northwestern
Starting Salary$80,600$66,300Northwestern
Endowment$14.0B$17.1BTexas A&M
Campus Size231 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Northwestern Top Majors

EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NorthwesternSuburban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Northwestern231 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
NorthwesternNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
NorthwesternMidwest
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Northwestern1851
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Northwestern23,094
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northwestern or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $333,540). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Northwestern and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1520 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Northwestern or Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 vs $66,300). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Northwestern has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Northwestern and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.