Are you trying to decide between Northwestern University and Northeastern University? Both are excellent schools with a lot to offer, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. To help you make the best decision for your individual needs, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of Northwestern vs Northeastern.
Northwestern University Overview
Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. It was founded in 1851 and is one of the top universities in the United States. Northwestern is known for its strong academics, particularly in the fields of business, law, medicine, and engineering. It also has a beautiful campus and a vibrant student life.
Key Facts:
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
- Enrollment: 21,000+ students
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Average GPA: 4.14
- SAT/ACT Score Range: 1420-1560 SAT / 33-35 ACT
- Tuition and Fees: $59,000
Northeastern University Overview
Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1898 and is one of the largest universities in New England. Northeastern is known for its innovative academic programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and health sciences. It also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with many students participating in co-ops and internships.
Key Facts:
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Enrollment: 32,000+ students
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Average GPA: 3.87
- SAT/ACT Score Range: 1310-1470 SAT / 30-34 ACT
- Tuition and Fees: $50,000
Northwestern vs Northeastern: Academic Comparison
| Subject | Northwestern Rank | Northeastern Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business | 3 | 38 |
| Law | 9 | 45 |
| Medicine | 11 | 49 |
| Engineering | 12 | 42 |
| Computer Science | 10 | 33 |
| Social Sciences | 20 | 118 |
| Humanities | 19 | 118 |
As you can see, Northwestern and Northeastern are both excellent schools with strong academics across the board. However, Northwestern has a slight edge in terms of overall rankings and prestige.
Northwestern vs Northeastern: Student Life Comparison
Northwestern and Northeastern both have vibrant student life scenes. Both schools offer a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. Northwestern is known for its strong Greek life, while Northeastern has a more diverse student body and a stronger emphasis on community service.
Northwestern Student Life:
- Greek Life: 30% of students are involved in Greek life.
- Clubs and Organizations: 500+ clubs and organizations.
- Sports: Member of the Big Ten Conference.
- Arts and Culture: World-class performing arts center.
Northeastern Student Life:
- Greek Life: 10% of students are involved in Greek life.
- Clubs and Organizations: 300+ clubs and organizations.
- Sports: Member of the Colonial Athletic Association.
- Arts and Culture: Renowned for its jazz music scene.
Northwestern vs Northeastern: Location Comparison
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Evanston is a beautiful and safe suburb with a lot to offer students. It has a vibrant downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Chicago is also just a short train ride away, providing students with access to one of the world’s great cities.
Northeastern is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston is a historic and cultural hub with a thriving arts and music scene. It is also home to many Fortune 500 companies and startups. Northeastern students have access to all that Boston has to offer, including world-class museums, theaters, and sporting events.
Northwestern vs Northeastern: Cost Comparison
Northwestern and Northeastern are both expensive schools, but Northeastern is slightly more affordable. The total cost of attendance for one year at Northwestern is $75,000, while the total cost of attendance for one year at Northeastern is $72,000.
Financial Aid:
Both Northwestern and Northeastern offer generous financial aid packages. At Northwestern, 50% of students receive some form of financial aid, and the average financial aid award is $45,000. At Northeastern, 40% of students receive some form of financial aid, and the average financial aid award is $35,000.
Northwestern vs Northeastern: Which School is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of which school to attend is a personal one. Both Northwestern and Northeastern are excellent schools with a lot to offer. Consider your academic interests, student life preferences, and financial situation when making your decision.
To help you further, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What are my academic goals?
- What kind of student life experience do I want?
- How much can I afford to spend on college?
- Which school is a better fit for my personality and interests?
Once you have answered these questions, you should be able to make an informed decision about which school is right for you.
FAQs
1. Which school has a better reputation?
Northwestern has a slightly better reputation than Northeastern, but both schools are highly respected.
2. Which school is more selective?
Northwestern is more selective than Northeastern.
3. Which school has a stronger academic program?
Northwestern and Northeastern have strong academic programs, but Northwestern has a slight edge in terms of overall rankings and prestige.
4. Which school has a more vibrant student life?
Northwestern and Northeastern both have vibrant student life scenes, but Northwestern is known for its strong Greek life, while Northeastern has a more diverse student body and a stronger emphasis on community service.
5. Which school is located in a better city?
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago, while Northeastern is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Both cities have a lot to offer students, but Chicago is generally considered to be a more desirable city to live in.
6. Which school is more affordable?
Northeastern is slightly more affordable than Northwestern.
7. Which school is a better fit for me?
The best way to decide which school is right for you is to visit both campuses and talk to current students.
