Head-to-Head Comparison
Northwestern University vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Northwestern Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 22
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Northwestern University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $29,167 vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689, Northwestern University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Northwestern University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Northwestern
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,363 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $29,167, roughly $522 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 8% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Saint Joseph's
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Northwestern graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (16% of degrees); Saint Joseph's in Business & Marketing (39%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Northwestern University over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Median earnings of $89,363 ten years after enrollment vs $86,881.
Pick Northwestern University over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Net price $29,167 vs $29,689.
Pick Northwestern University over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. 96% completion rate vs 79%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Northwestern University and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia are close on paper, but Northwestern University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Northwestern University is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,533 to 1,258.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Northwestern University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Northwestern University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,167, about $522 a year below Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689. Graduates of Northwestern University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,088 before any change in aid. Choosing Northwestern University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Northwestern University graduates report median earnings of $89,363, compared with $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Northwestern University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Northwestern University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 79%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 16% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Northwestern University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Northwestern University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Communications, Engineering, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Northwestern University has less business program depth, and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northwestern University's enrollment of 9,201 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $15,000 at Northwestern University.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit
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.
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Northwestern University is featured on the Best Colleges for Communications ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Northwestern's top program is Sociology (16% of enrollment), while Saint Joseph's leads with Business Administration (39%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Northwestern) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's).
The two schools feed different job markets. Northwestern University is strongest in Social Sciences, Communications, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Northwestern
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Northwestern University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, Northwestern University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Northwestern University is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,167 after aid versus $29,689 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Do Northwestern University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,363 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Northwestern University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 79%.
Should you choose Northwestern University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Northwestern University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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