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Northwestern University vs Tufts University

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

33
Northwestern Wins
6
Tied / N/A
7
Tufts Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Great Lakes
Region
New England
9,201
Enrollment
7,061
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
11%
1533
SAT Average
1513
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1470-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$70,704
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,704
$29,167
Average Net Price
$39,998
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,284
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,811
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$14,923
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$58,570
19%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
19%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
93%
98%
Retention Rate
96%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
64%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,205
15%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

52%
Female
46%
31%
White
41%
16%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
6%
21%
Asian
17%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.77

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$68,337
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$70,761
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$83,214
$15,000
Median Debt
$16,250
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
212.66%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6216.7%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
342.1%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$187,900

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.89
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
12.3%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
#53
64.5
Teaching Score
64.1
68.8
Research Score
52.3
95.3
Citations Score
83.9

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.

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 93% grad $83,214 earnings $39,998 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Tufts University attracts students who are ready to engage in a vibrant academic community. This school is ideal for those passionate about social sciences, engineering, biology and biomedical fields, computer science and IT, or the visual and performing arts. What stands out is the commitment to a well-rounded education that encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study, making it a great fit for curious minds eager to make an impact.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a 10-year median salary of $83,214. This figure highlights the strong return on investment for graduates. With a graduation rate of 93%, it's clear that students not only thrive academically but also transition successfully into their careers. While the Pell Grant rate is at 12%, indicating that a smaller percentage of students come from low-income backgrounds, those who do tend to find pathways to upward mobility in their professional lives.

Looking at the practical side, the net price of attending Tufts is around $39,998 after aid, which is significant but manageable for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, a figure that suggests a thoughtful balance between investment in education and financial responsibility. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are driven, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available on campus and beyond.

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