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Northwestern University vs Washington and Lee University

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

24
Northwestern Wins
9
Tied / N/A
13
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
9,201
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1533
SAT Average
1498
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$29,167
Average Net Price
$23,781
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
19%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
94%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
15%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

52%
Female
44%
31%
White
68%
16%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
5%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$15,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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