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Northwestern University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

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

22
Northwestern Wins
14
Tied / N/A
10
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
9,201
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1533
SAT Average
1480
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$29,167
Average Net Price
$21,565
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
19%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
95%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
15%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

52%
Female
55%
31%
White
49%
16%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
20%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$15,000
Median Debt
$17,500
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

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
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

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 Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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