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Northwestern University vs Wellesley College

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

19
Northwestern Wins
10
Tied / N/A
17
Wellesley Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Great Lakes
Region
New England
9,201
Enrollment
2,300
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1533
SAT Average
1520
35
ACT Midpoint
33
1510-1570
SAT Range
1460-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$67,176
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,176
$29,167
Average Net Price
$25,496
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,546
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,836
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,587
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,188
19%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
16%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
91%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
80%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,120
15%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
N/A
31%
White
30%
16%
Hispanic
14%
8%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
26%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$65,961
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$72,216
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$84,803
$15,000
Median Debt
$10,000
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
85%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
240.83%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4361.1%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
552.2%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$142,500

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
16.7%

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.

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $84,803 earnings $25,496 net

Wellesley College is a great fit for students who are focused on a strong academic experience and personal growth. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, this school attracts motivated individuals who are passionate about subjects like Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science. The environment here is tailored for those who thrive in a rigorous, supportive setting, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their studies.

After graduation, Wellesley alumni see impressive outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $84,803 after ten years. This reflects the value of a Wellesley education in the job market. While the cost of attendance can be a concern, the school’s commitment to affordability helps many students manage their financial futures. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 for graduates suggests that most leave with manageable financial obligations.

When it comes to the practicalities, the net price after aid sits at $25,496, which is reasonable for a private institution. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a close-knit community and seek a challenging academic environment. With a graduation rate of 91%, it’s clear that Wellesley supports its students well, helping them not just to finish their degrees, but to succeed afterward.

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