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Northwestern University vs Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

5

Northwestern University

2

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Northwestern University Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Winner
Acceptance Rate 7% 90% Northwestern University
Graduation Rate 96% 53% Northwestern University
Avg Earnings (5yr) $76,844 $43,087 Northwestern University
Median Debt $15,000 $21,543 Northwestern University
Tuition (In-State) $65,997 $13,244 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Retention Rate 97% 69% Northwestern University
Financial Aid 19% 48% Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Comparison Analysis

Northwestern University graduates earn significantly more than Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates. Northwestern graduates earn $76,844, while Southern Illinois graduates earn $43,087. Northwestern also has a much higher graduation rate, at 96.2%, compared to Southern Illinois' 52.5%. Northwestern has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 7.2%, while Southern Illinois has a much higher acceptance rate of 90.4%.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has a much lower tuition cost. Tuition at Southern Illinois is $13,244, while Northwestern's tuition is $65,997.

When considering a school, prospective students should consider their career goals and financial situation. Students seeking high earnings and a high likelihood of graduating may prefer Northwestern. Students prioritizing low tuition costs may prefer Southern Illinois.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Northwestern University Earnings Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Earnings Difference
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $140,444 $42,711 229% favor Northwestern University
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $140,444 $0
Law $210,979 $54,507 287% favor Northwestern University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $224,402 $73,272 206% favor Northwestern University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $224,402 $55,633 303% favor Northwestern University
Economics $84,932 $37,798 125% favor Northwestern University
Economics $84,932 $0
Economics $84,932 $0
Business Administration, Management and Operations $224,402 $0
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies $0 $0

Quick Facts

Type Private Non-Profit
Location Evanston, IL
Setting City
Students 8,960
Type Public
Location Carbondale, IL
Setting Town
Students 8,116

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has median earnings of $76,844 and tuition of $65,997. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has median earnings of $43,087 and tuition of $13,244. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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