Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Northwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyUT Austin Top Majors
BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern or UT Austin harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $333,540). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Northwestern and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1520 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 vs $68,500). 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Northwestern and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.