Northwestern vs Williams
How Northwestern and Williams stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Northwestern | Williams | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 7% | 7.4% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1500-1570 | 1480-1560 |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-optional |
| Type | Private | Private |
| Location | IL | MA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $84,653 | $95,960 |
| Average cost after aid | $29,200 | $23,000 |
| Supplemental essays | 2 | 1 |
- Northwestern and Williams are similarly selective, admitting about 7% and 7.4% of applicants.
- After aid, Williams is usually the cheaper option ($23,000 versus $29,200 per year on average).
- Both are test-optional, so you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.
- Northwestern asks for more supplemental writing (2 essays versus 1), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Northwestern vs Williams FAQ
Is Northwestern or Williams harder to get into?
Northwestern and Williams are similarly selective, admitting about 7% and 7.4% of applicants.
Is Northwestern or Williams cheaper?
After financial aid, Williams is usually cheaper, about $23,000 per year on average versus $29,200 at Northwestern.
See your real chances at Northwestern and Williams.
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