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Northwestern University vs Santa Clara University

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

22
Northwestern Wins
9
Tied / N/A
15
Santa Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Far West
9,201
Enrollment
6,552
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
48%
1533
SAT Average
1426
35
ACT Midpoint
32
1510-1570
SAT Range
1350-1490

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$61,293
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,293
$29,167
Average Net Price
$50,062
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$22,985
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$19,154
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$26,531
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$60,678
19%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
88%
98%
Retention Rate
94%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
72%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,682
15%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
54%
31%
White
37%
16%
Hispanic
20%
8%
Black
3%
21%
Asian
21%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.77

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$91,198
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$99,543
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$109,183
$15,000
Median Debt
$19,162
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
224.68%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6203.6%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
362.2%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$149,900

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.89
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
6.6%

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.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit

48% accept 88% grad $109,183 earnings $50,062 net

Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.

The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.

Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.

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