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Northwestern University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
9,201
Enrollment
20,752
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
15%
1533
SAT Average
1439
35
ACT Midpoint
25
1510-1570
SAT Range
1390-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$8,994
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,203
$29,167
Average Net Price
$11,655
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,004
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$3,918
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,538
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$24,396
19%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
13%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
92%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
78%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,046
15%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

52%
Female
62%
31%
White
53%
16%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
7%
21%
Asian
16%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$57,057
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$65,584
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$72,200
$15,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
85%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
115.19%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3330.1%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
345.9%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$129,500

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.68
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
#30
64.5
Teaching Score
70.9
68.8
Research Score
75.1
95.3
Citations Score
85

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

15% accept 92% grad $72,200 earnings $11,655 net

With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.

When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.

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