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Northwestern University vs Yale University

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

14
Northwestern Wins
7
Tied / N/A
25
Yale Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
New England
9,201
Enrollment
6,758
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

8%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1533
SAT Average
1534
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1470-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,322
In-State Tuition
$67,250
$68,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,250
$29,167
Average Net Price
$23,777
$1,764
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$17,633
$6,099
Net Price ($30-48K)
$15,626
$7,898
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,943
$48,777
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,951
19%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
17%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
96%
98%
Retention Rate
99%
83%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$20,322
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,590
15%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

52%
Female
50%
31%
White
31%
16%
Hispanic
17%
8%
Black
9%
21%
Asian
22%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$76,844
Earnings (6yr)
$81,765
$83,487
Earnings (8yr)
$94,821
$89,363
Earnings (10yr)
$100,533
$15,000
Median Debt
$12,975
0.17x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

169.42%
Mobility Rate
208.17%
5518.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5730.3%
307.0%
From Bottom 20%
363.3%
$168,500
Parent Median Income
$199,700

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.72
0.01
Friending Bias
0.04
11.3%
Volunteering Rate
11.9%

Research (Times HE)

#25
World Rank
#10
64.5
Teaching Score
92.1
68.8
Research Score
89.7
95.3
Citations Score
91.5

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.

Yale University

New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $100,533 earnings $23,777 net

Yale University boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating that most students who enroll successfully complete their degrees. This high level of achievement reflects the supportive academic environment and resources available to students.

According to Opportunity Insights data, Yale's graduates have a median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong earnings potential suggests that graduates are likely to experience upward economic mobility, particularly when compared to peers from lower-income backgrounds.

The net price for attending Yale is $23,777, with a median debt of $12,975. This financial landscape allows students to invest in their education while keeping debt manageable. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are motivated and eager to engage deeply in their studies, particularly in top fields such as social sciences, biology, and engineering.

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