Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Northwestern's 7.1% acceptance rate, most applicants—including highly qualified ones—will need backup options. The schools below deliver comparable career outcomes with more accessible admission or different advantages.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Milwaukee School of Engineering (60.4% acceptance rate, $89,070 median earnings) located 70 miles away in Wisconsin. Illinois Institute of Technology admits 55.4% of applicants while producing graduates earning $82,592, just 15 miles from Northwestern. Both institutions offer strong technical programs with significantly more realistic admission prospects.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students who want to stay in the Midwest should consider University of Chicago (4.8% acceptance, $91,885 earnings) just 19 miles away for comparable prestige and outcomes. Illinois Institute of Technology offers similar technical focus 15 miles from Northwestern with more accessible 55.4% admission rates. Milwaukee School of Engineering provides strong outcomes 70 miles away in Wisconsin.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier (#106 ranked)
