Worcester Polytechnic Institute vs Northwestern University

Worcester, MA — Evanston, IL

Metric
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Location Worcester, MA Evanston, IL
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 5,447 9,201
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 7.7%
SAT Average 1,533
In-State Tuition $60,965 $68,322
Out-of-State Tuition $60,965 $68,322
Avg Net Price $43,071 $29,167
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 89.1% 95.5%
Retention Rate 93.7% 98.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $85,038 $76,844
Median Earnings (10 yr) $103,470 $89,363
Loan Repayment Rate 130900.0% 204100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
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Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Northwestern University compare?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA) has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, in-state tuition of $60,965, and median 10-year earnings of $103,470. Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) has an acceptance rate of 7.7%, in-state tuition of $68,322, and median 10-year earnings of $89,363.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Worcester Polytechnic Institute or Northwestern University?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $103,470 vs $89,363. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Worcester Polytechnic Institute or Northwestern University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Northwestern University is the more affordable option at $29,167 per year versus $43,071.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.5% vs 89.1%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025