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Drexel University vs Northwestern University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

11
Drexel Wins
9
Tied / N/A
26
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
13,233
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

79%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1345
SAT Average
1533
29
ACT Midpoint
35
1240-1440
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,412
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$38,509
Average Net Price
$29,167
$28,055
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$29,435
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$34,970
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$48,089
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
27%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
49%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

78%
Graduation Rate
96%
90%
Retention Rate
98%
58%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$12,380
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
29%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

57%
Female
52%
40%
White
31%
9%
Hispanic
16%
10%
Black
8%
24%
Asian
21%
0.75
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$69,063
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$79,235
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$84,648
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$25,325
Median Debt
$15,000
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
83%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
169.42%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.02
Friending Bias
0.01
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

#190
World Rank
#25
45
Teaching Score
64.5
35.9
Research Score
68.8
58.2
Citations Score
95.3

The Overviews

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

79% accept 78% grad $84,648 earnings $38,509 net

With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.

After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.

When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

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.

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