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Northwestern University vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst

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

24
Northwestern Wins
14
Tied / N/A
8
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
New England
9,201
Enrollment
23,671
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
60%
1533
SAT Average
1423
35
ACT Midpoint
31
1510-1570
SAT Range
1310-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$17,772
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,449
$29,167
Average Net Price
$22,383
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$10,164
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$10,456
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$12,932
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$30,793
19%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
47%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
83%
98%
Retention Rate
92%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
81%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,663
15%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

52%
Female
52%
31%
White
57%
16%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
14%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.64

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$60,347
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$66,904
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$71,631
$15,000
Median Debt
$22,763
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.32x
85%
Earning Above HS
75%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$168,500
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.80
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.0%

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.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

60% accept 83% grad $71,631 earnings $22,383 net

With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.

Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.

When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.

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