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Northwestern University vs University of Illinois Chicago

5

Northwestern University

2

University of Illinois Chicago

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Northwestern University University of Illinois Chicago Winner
Acceptance Rate 7% 79% Northwestern University
Graduation Rate 96% 61% Northwestern University
Avg Earnings (5yr) $76,844 $53,218 Northwestern University
Median Debt $15,000 $16,704 Northwestern University
Tuition (In-State) $65,997 $14,338 University of Illinois Chicago
Retention Rate 97% 78% Northwestern University
Financial Aid 19% 25% University of Illinois Chicago

Comparison Analysis

Northwestern University graduates earn significantly more than University of Illinois Chicago graduates. Northwestern graduates earn $76,844, while University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $53,218. Northwestern's graduation rate is much higher at 96.2% compared to University of Illinois Chicago's 60.9%. Northwestern has a much lower acceptance rate of 7.2% compared to University of Illinois Chicago's 78.5%.

University of Illinois Chicago has a much lower tuition cost. Tuition at University of Illinois Chicago is $14,338, while Northwestern's tuition is $65,997.

When considering overall value, the decision depends on individual priorities. Students prioritizing future earnings and graduation rates may favor Northwestern, despite the higher cost and lower acceptance rate. Students prioritizing affordability and a higher chance of acceptance may favor University of Illinois Chicago.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Northwestern University Earnings University of Illinois Chicago Earnings Difference
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $140,444 $92,010 53% favor Northwestern University
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $140,444 $45,665 208% favor Northwestern University
Psychology, General $44,088 $30,565 44% favor Northwestern University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $224,402 $88,048 155% favor Northwestern University
Biology, General $0 $28,768
Psychology, General $0 $30,565
Psychology, General $0 $30,565
Medicine $70,039 $65,807 6% favor Northwestern University
Economics $84,932 $37,767 125% favor Northwestern University
Biology, General $86,946 $28,768 202% favor Northwestern University

Quick Facts

Type Private Non-Profit
Location Evanston, IL
Setting City
Students 8,960
Type Public
Location Chicago, IL
Setting City
Students 21,814

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has median earnings of $76,844 and tuition of $65,997. University of Illinois Chicago has median earnings of $53,218 and tuition of $14,338. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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