Cornell vs Northwestern
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
CCatholic life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Cornell UniversityIthaca, NYCatholic life on campusACatholic life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Northwestern UniversityEvanston, ILCatholic life on campus
At a glance
- Cornell lists Mass once a week; Northwestern lists Mass every weekday.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are higher at Cornell: $104,043, against $89,363 at Northwestern.
Catholic life
Faith or Catholic life grade
CCatholic life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
ACatholic life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
BCompass Score: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
ACompass Score: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
Once a week
Every weekday
Confession times
3 times a week
Eucharistic adoration
2 times a week
Campus ministry
2 listed
2 listed
The college
Control
Private nonprofit
Private nonprofit
Location
Ithaca, NY
Evanston, IL
Setting
City
City
Students
26,264
23,203
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
9%
8%
Average SAT
1535
1533
ACT middle 50%
33–35
33–35
Graduation rate
95%
95%
First-year retention
98%
98%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$28,690
$29,167
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$1,776
$1,764
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$4,070
$6,099
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$6,796
$7,898
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$14,311
$18,282
Net price, over $110,000 income
$49,992
$48,777
Median debt
$14,000
$15,000
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$104,043
$89,363
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.