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Northwestern University vs Princeton University

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

10
Northwestern Wins
8
Tied / N/A
28
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Mid-Atlantic
9,201
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1533
SAT Average
1553
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$29,167
Average Net Price
$6,128
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
19%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
97%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
15%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

52%
Female
51%
31%
White
34%
16%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
9%
21%
Asian
23%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$15,000
Median Debt
$10,320
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
#5
64.5
Teaching Score
90.9
68.8
Research Score
95.4
95.3
Citations Score
99.9

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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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