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Northwestern University vs Providence College

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

32
Northwestern Wins
9
Tied / N/A
5
Providence Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
New England
9,201
Enrollment
4,229
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
51%
1533
SAT Average
1346
35
ACT Midpoint
29
1510-1570
SAT Range
1250-1390

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$63,550
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,550
$29,167
Average Net Price
$48,523
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$28,152
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$21,835
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,296
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$56,699
19%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
57%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
87%
98%
Retention Rate
94%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
72%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,190
15%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

52%
Female
58%
31%
White
79%
16%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
2%
21%
Asian
1%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.36

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$69,326
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$73,021
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$87,054
$15,000
Median Debt
$27,000
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31x
85%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
93.24%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4555.5%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
204.7%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$139,300

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.02
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
4.8%

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.

Providence College

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit

51% accept 87% grad $87,054 earnings $48,523 net

With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.

Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.

Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.

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