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College comparison
Northwestern vs Williams
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Northwestern Evanston, IL |  Williams Williamstown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNorthwestern University is more selective | 8% | 8% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1570 | 1490–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 9,201 | 2,076 |
| Avg net price | $29,167 | $17,716 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Northwestern reports higher median earnings | $89,363 | $88,665 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 94% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $12,761 |
| Economic mobility | 1.7% | 1.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Northwestern vs Williams: how they compare
Northwestern and Williams are both highly selective institutions, yet they offer different environments for achieving similar long-term outcomes.
By the numbers The schools are identically selective, with an 8% acceptance rate and nearly identical SAT 25–75 percentiles (Northwestern 1510–1570, Williams 1490–1570). Their 10-year median earnings are the same at $89k, and graduation rates are virtually identical at 95% and 94%, respectively. The key quantitative differences lie in value and financial profile. Williams offers a significantly lower average net price ($18k vs. Northwestern's $29k), yielding a higher value multiplier of 5.0× earnings per dollar of net price versus Northwestern's 3.1×. Williams also demonstrates superior financial health with a DOE score of 3.0/3, compared to Northwestern's 2.2/3. However, Northwestern excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 169% versus Williams's 99%. Williams shows much higher admit-rate volatility (80% vs. 30%), indicating its selectivity can fluctuate more year-to-year.
Where they overlap Both are highly residential campuses with strong school spirit and are noted for their academic rigor. They produce graduates with identical early-career earning power and near-identical graduation success.
How they differ The experiences are distinct. Northwestern, located in a major metropolitan area (Evanston/Chicago), offers larger classes and immediate access to urban opportunities. Williams, situated in a rural college town, provides a close-knit, residential community with smaller classes and a culture oriented around campus and the outdoors.
Who each suits Williams is a strong option for the student seeking a professor-focused liberal arts experience in a scenic, self-contained setting where value for investment is a priority. Northwestern suits the student who wants a blend of rigorous academics with the resources of a research university and values proximity to a major city for internships and cultural life.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Northwestern University or Williams College harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is more selective: Northwestern University's acceptance rate is approximately 8% and Williams College's is approximately 8% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University vs Williams College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1570 at Northwestern University and 1490–1570 at Williams College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.