Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
CU Boulder
$227,512
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | CU Boulder = $174,712. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Northwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyCU Boulder Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessPsychologyBiologyIntegrative Physiology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern or CU Boulder harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or CU Boulder?+
At sticker price, CU Boulder costs less over 4 years ($227,512 vs $333,540). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/year in aid while CU Boulder offers $13,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Northwestern and CU Boulder?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1520 and at CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 vs $63,400). 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 CU Boulder has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Northwestern and CU Boulder compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. CU Boulder is in Boulder, Colorado (suburban setting) with 600 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and CU Boulder in NCAA D1.