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Northwestern University vs University of Portland

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

26
Northwestern Wins
8
Tied / N/A
12
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Far West
9,201
Enrollment
2,957
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
89%
1533
SAT Average
1277
35
ACT Midpoint
29
1510-1570
SAT Range
1160-1370

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$58,100
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,100
$29,167
Average Net Price
$28,210
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$20,070
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$16,577
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$23,858
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$37,284
19%
Pell Grant Rate
22%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
39%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
80%
98%
Retention Rate
88%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
59%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$10,167
15%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

52%
Female
63%
31%
White
38%
16%
Hispanic
21%
8%
Black
3%
21%
Asian
22%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.75

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$67,913
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$76,376
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$82,804
$15,000
Median Debt
$21,370
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
92.39%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3286.1%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
281.1%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$117,600

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.76
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.02
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.4%

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 Portland

Portland, OR · Private nonprofit

89% accept 80% grad $82,804 earnings $28,210 net

With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.

After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.

When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.

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