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Colleges / IL / Evanston
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Northwestern University

Private nonprofit Evanston, IL · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
96%
Graduation Rate
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$29,167
Net Price
8%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

Rankings

How Northwestern Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation96%Earnings 10yr$89KNet Price$29KRetention98%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$2K$0-30K$6K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$49K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%307.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5518.6%MOBILITY169.42%

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$68,322
Out-of-State
$29,167
Avg Net Price
$15,000
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$1,764
Family Income $0–$30K
$6,099
Family Income $30K–$48K
$7,898
Family Income $48K–$75K
$48,777
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$76,844
6 Years After Entry
$83,487
8 Years
$89,363
10 Years
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
85%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$76,844 6yr $83,487 8yr $89,363 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

169.42%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5518.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$168,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.83
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#25
World Rank
64.5
Teaching
68.8
Research
95.3
Citations
60.5
International

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 8%
Retention Rate 98%
SAT Average 1533
ACT Midpoint 35
SAT Range 1510–1570
ACT Range 33–35
Full-Time Faculty 83%
Faculty Salary (mo) $20,322
Diversity Index 0.81
First-Gen Students 15%

Top Programs

Engineering 15%
Social Sciences 15%
Communications 14%
Biology & Biomedical 11%
Computer Science & IT 10%
Visual & Performing Arts 8%
Psychology 5%
Business & Marketing 5%