Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Northwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyUVA Top Majors
EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology
Need Help Choosing Between Northwestern & UVA?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern or UVA harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 16.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or UVA?+
At sticker price, UVA costs less over 4 years ($280,784 vs $333,540). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Northwestern and UVA?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1520 and at UVA it is 1440. 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 UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 vs $71,500). 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 UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Northwestern and UVA compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.