Choosing the right university is an important decision in your life. In this comparison, we will take an in-depth look at two prestigious institutions: Northwestern University and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). We will compare their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Northwestern University Overview
Northwestern University, established in 1851, is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. With a total enrollment of over 20,000 students, Northwestern offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 12 schools and colleges.
Northwestern University Costs & Tuition
For the academic year 2021-2022, the cost of attendance at Northwestern is $78,654, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with nearly 60% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
Northwestern University Admissions
Admissions at Northwestern are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 9%. Prospective students should have a strong academic background, with a median SAT score of 1480-1550 and a median ACT score of 33-35 among admitted students.
Northwestern University Degrees Offered
Northwestern offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 12 schools and colleges. The university is particularly known for its programs in journalism, engineering, law, and music.
Northwestern University Academics
Academically, Northwestern is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary learning. The university boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for students.
Northwestern University Diversity
Northwestern is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. As of Fall 2020, 51% of the undergraduate student body identified as students of color, and 19% were international students.
Northwestern University Students
Northwestern has a vibrant student community, with over 500 student organizations catering to various interests. The university also has a strong Greek life presence, with around 40% of the undergraduate population participating in fraternities and sororities.
Northwestern University Campus
The Northwestern campus is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the city of Evanston, a suburb of Chicago. The scenic campus offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently renovated library and numerous research centers.
Northwestern University Alumni
Notable Northwestern alumni include actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Schwimmer, journalist George R.R. Martin, and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
Northwestern University Rankings
Northwestern is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and the world. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it was ranked 9th among national universities.
Northwestern University Outcomes
Northwestern boasts a strong alumni network and excellent job placement rates. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for Northwestern graduates is $65,300, and the mid-career average salary is $124,700.
MIT Overview
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), founded in 1861, is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known for its cutting-edge research and strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), MIT enrolls over 11,000 students across its five schools.
MIT Costs & Tuition
For the academic year 2021-2022, the cost of attendance at MIT is $73,160, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 60% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
MIT Admissions
Admissions at MIT are extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 7%. Prospective students should have a strong academic background, especially in math and science. The median SAT score for admitted students is 1510-1570, and the median ACT score is 34-36.
MIT Degrees Offered
MIT offers undergraduate and graduate programs across its five schools, with a particular focus on STEM disciplines. The institute is renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, economics, and physics.
MIT Academics
MIT is known for its problem-solving and hands-on approach to education, with a strong emphasis on research and collaboration. The institute has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for students.
MIT Diversity
As of Fall 2020, 47% of MIT’s undergraduate student body identified as students of color, and 33% were international students. The institute is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
MIT Students
MIT has a thriving student community, with over 500 student organizations and numerous opportunities for research and entrepreneurship. The campus is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene.
MIT Campus
MIT’s campus is located along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. The campus is also just a short walk from downtown Boston, providing access to a vibrant city life.
MIT Alumni
Notable MIT alumni include astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Ronald McNair, physicist Richard Feynman, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
MIT Rankings
MIT is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2021 QS World University Rankings, it was ranked 1st in the world.
MIT Outcomes
MIT graduates are highly sought after by employers across various industries. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for MIT graduates is $82,200, and the mid-career average salary is $151,600.
Northwestern University vs MIT Cost Comparison
Both Northwestern and MIT have comparable costs of attendance, with Northwestern at $78,654 and MIT at $73,160 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Both universities also offer financial aid to eligible students, with over 60% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance at both institutions.
Northwestern University vs MIT Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Northwestern and MIT are highly competitive. While Northwestern has an acceptance rate of around 9%, MIT’s acceptance rate is slightly lower at 7%. Prospective students should have strong academic backgrounds, with excellent test scores and extracurricular achievements.
Northwestern University vs MIT Academic Difficulty
Both Northwestern and MIT are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research. While Northwestern offers a broader range of disciplines, MIT is particularly renowned for its STEM programs. Students at both universities can expect to be challenged academically and benefit from personalized attention due to the low student-to-faculty ratios.
Northwestern University vs MIT Outcome Comparison
In terms of graduate outcomes, both Northwestern and MIT boast strong alumni networks and excellent job placement rates. However, MIT graduates tend to have higher starting and mid-career average salaries, likely due to the institute’s focus on STEM disciplines and its strong reputation in the fields of engineering, computer science, and technology.
