Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Northwestern University

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

31
Massachusetts Wins
9
Tied / N/A
6
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
4,535
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1560
SAT Average
1533
N/A
ACT Midpoint
35
1520-1580
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,396
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$62,396
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$20,111
Average Net Price
$29,167
$-2,533
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$93
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$1,480
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$48,479
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
19%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
7%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
96%
99%
Retention Rate
98%
99%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$24,177
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
26%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

37%
Female
52%
21%
White
31%
14%
Hispanic
16%
8%
Black
8%
35%
Asian
21%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$131,633
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$135,278
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$143,372
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$14,768
Median Debt
$15,000
0.1x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
87%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

339.82%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
6652.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
510.8%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$141,000
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

#3
World Rank
#25
97.8
Teaching Score
64.5
91.4
Research Score
68.8
99.9
Citations Score
95.3

The Overviews

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $143,372 earnings $20,111 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.

The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.

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.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad