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Northeastern University vs University of Chicago

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

13
Northeastern Wins
6
Tied / N/A
27
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
17,326
Enrollment
7,569
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1497
SAT Average
1554
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1440-1540
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,162
In-State Tuition
$70,662
$66,162
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,662
$30,915
Average Net Price
$14,860
$2,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,264
$2,436
Net Price ($30-48K)
$914
$5,301
Net Price ($48-75K)
$226
$47,696
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,524
12%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
27%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

90%
Graduation Rate
95%
97%
Retention Rate
99%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
85%
$16,218
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,806
19%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

54%
Female
52%
40%
White
30%
10%
Hispanic
17%
5%
Black
7%
22%
Asian
19%
0.76
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$78,413
Earnings (6yr)
$80,870
$82,813
Earnings (8yr)
$87,164
$92,538
Earnings (10yr)
$91,885
$24,250
Median Debt
$15,000
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.16x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

243.76%
Mobility Rate
194.09%
4736.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4508.7%
514.6%
From Bottom 20%
430.5%
$108,300
Parent Median Income
$132,000

Social Capital

1.79
Economic Connectedness
1.81
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.01
8.4%
Volunteering Rate
15.6%

Research (Times HE)

#201-225
World Rank
#12
30.4
Teaching Score
79.1
18.9
Research Score
87.9
70
Citations Score
96.9

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.

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

4% accept 95% grad $91,885 earnings $14,860 net

The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.

Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.

The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.

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