Northwestern University vs University of Illinois
Northwestern University is the more selective of the two at 7%, versus 45% at University of Illinois. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.
Northwestern University vs University of Illinois: the differences that matter
How Northwestern University and University of Illinois stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.
Northwestern University is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 7% of applicants versus 45% at University of Illinois, a gap of roughly 38 percentage points. Treat Northwestern University as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.
The two also read applications a little differently. Northwestern University leans more on application essay, recommendations, interview, while University of Illinois puts more weight on standardized test scores, geographical residence, state residency. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.
On test scores, Northwestern University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560 and University of Illinois's is around 1480. Admitted students at Northwestern University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.
What each school weighs
Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Northwestern University or University of Illinois harder to get into?
Northwestern University is harder to get into, with a 7% acceptance rate versus 45% at University of Illinois.
What's the difference in SAT scores between Northwestern University and University of Illinois?
Northwestern University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560, and University of Illinois's is around 1480.
What are my chances at Northwestern University and University of Illinois?
That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.