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Northwestern University vs Rice University

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

17
Northwestern Wins
9
Tied / N/A
20
Rice Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Southwest
9,201
Enrollment
4,776
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

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

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$64,144
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,144
$29,167
Average Net Price
$13,370
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,827
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$563
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$3,217
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,466
19%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
6%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
95%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
84%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$18,454
15%
First-Gen Students
14%

Student Body

52%
Female
45%
31%
White
26%
16%
Hispanic
17%
8%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
29%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$79,751
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$78,690
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$89,718
$15,000
Median Debt
$11,000
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
160.34%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4873.2%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
329.0%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$149,200

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.02
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
10.4%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
#47
64.5
Teaching Score
57.4
68.8
Research Score
50.6
95.3
Citations Score
99.1

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.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $89,718 earnings $13,370 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Rice University attracts driven students who are eager to excel academically and socially. This private nonprofit institution in Houston is ideal for those interested in fields like Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The strong graduation rate of 95% speaks volumes about the supportive environment here, where students are encouraged to dive deep into their studies and collaborate across disciplines.

Graduates from Rice see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $89,718 just ten years after finishing their degree. This figure is significant because it highlights the school's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. While 17% of students rely on Pell Grants, the overall affordability of education here, combined with the strong salary potential, makes it a viable option for many.

When it comes to the practical side of things, the net price after aid is around $13,370, and the median debt for graduates is relatively low at $11,000. These numbers suggest that students can graduate with manageable debt, which is a big plus in today’s economy. Those who thrive here are often collaborative, ambitious, and ready to engage with a diverse community, making the most of the excellent academic resources available to them.

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