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Northeastern University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

22
Northeastern Wins
9
Tied / N/A
15
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
17,326
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1497
SAT Average
1427
34
ACT Midpoint
29
1440-1540
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,162
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$66,162
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$30,915
Average Net Price
$17,354
$2,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$2,436
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$5,301
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$47,696
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
12%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
27%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

90%
Graduation Rate
89%
97%
Retention Rate
96%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$16,218
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
19%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

54%
Female
53%
40%
White
59%
10%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
2%
22%
Asian
11%
0.76
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$78,413
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$82,813
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$92,538
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$24,250
Median Debt
$20,484
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

243.76%
Mobility Rate
N/A
4736.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
514.6%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$108,300
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.79
Economic Connectedness
1.78
0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
8.4%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#201-225
World Rank
#27
30.4
Teaching Score
74.3
18.9
Research Score
77.3
70
Citations Score
90.6

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 Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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