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Northwestern University vs Ohio State University-Main Campus

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

23
Northwestern Wins
14
Tied / N/A
9
Ohio Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Great Lakes
9,201
Enrollment
45,638
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
61%
1533
SAT Average
1387
35
ACT Midpoint
29
1510-1570
SAT Range
1310-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$13,244
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,022
$29,167
Average Net Price
$17,339
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,885
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$5,751
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,807
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,359
19%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
29%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
88%
98%
Retention Rate
94%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
63%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,386
15%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

52%
Female
52%
31%
White
60%
16%
Hispanic
6%
8%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
11%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$51,438
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$56,186
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$60,409
$15,000
Median Debt
$19,976
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33x
85%
Earning Above HS
72%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

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

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.57
0.01
Friending Bias
0.03
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.5%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
N/A
64.5
Teaching Score
N/A
68.8
Research Score
N/A
95.3
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

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.

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

61% accept 88% grad $60,409 earnings $17,339 net

With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.

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