College Comparison
MIT vs Northwestern University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 7.1% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1490–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156wins | $65,997 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813wins | $27,143 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $89,363 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1%wins | 95.9% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 97.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 8,960wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out Northwestern on 9 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,156
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,960
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