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Northwestern University vs The University of Texas at Austin

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

24
Northwestern Wins
5
Tied / N/A
17
The Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Southwest
9,201
Enrollment
42,855
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
27%
1533
SAT Average
1395
35
ACT Midpoint
30
1510-1570
SAT Range
1250-1510

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$11,688
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,908
$29,167
Average Net Price
$19,857
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,553
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$14,297
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,207
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$30,082
19%
Pell Grant Rate
26%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
88%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
84%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,819
15%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

52%
Female
56%
31%
White
30%
16%
Hispanic
28%
8%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
26%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$60,896
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$68,554
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$75,121
$15,000
Median Debt
$20,500
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
85%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
222.26%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4446.1%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
499.9%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$125,100

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.79
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
#29
64.5
Teaching Score
69.5
68.8
Research Score
76.1
95.3
Citations Score
89.6

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.

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public

27% accept 88% grad $75,121 earnings $19,857 net

The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.

After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.

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