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Northeastern University vs Northwestern University

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

16
Northeastern Wins
6
Tied / N/A
24
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
17,326
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1497
SAT Average
1533
34
ACT Midpoint
35
1440-1540
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,162
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$66,162
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$30,915
Average Net Price
$29,167
$2,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$2,436
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$5,301
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$47,696
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
12%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
27%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

90%
Graduation Rate
96%
97%
Retention Rate
98%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$16,218
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
19%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

54%
Female
52%
40%
White
31%
10%
Hispanic
16%
5%
Black
8%
22%
Asian
21%
0.76
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$78,413
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$82,813
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$92,538
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$24,250
Median Debt
$15,000
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
85%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

243.76%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
4736.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
514.6%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$108,300
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.79
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.03
Friending Bias
0.01
8.4%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

#201-225
World Rank
#25
30.4
Teaching Score
64.5
18.9
Research Score
68.8
70
Citations Score
95.3

The Overviews

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 90% grad $92,538 earnings $30,915 net

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

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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