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College Comparison

Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Northwestern University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Cambridge, MA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

11,886

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

4,535

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

3:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

4.5%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1520–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

34–36

33–35

Test Policy

Required

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

28,232

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$77,870

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$20,000

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$57,590

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$57,590

$62,391

Room & Board

$20,280

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,734

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

97.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

99.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$143,372

$89,363

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Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

MIT has an acceptance rate of 5%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means MIT is more selective than Northwestern University.

The average net price at MIT is $20,000 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. MIT is $7,143 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at MIT typically score between 1520-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

MIT has a graduation rate of 97%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. MIT has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

MIT has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. MIT offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At MIT, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,734. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for MIT graduates 10 years after enrollment is $143,372, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from MIT tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.