Mizzou vs NorthWestern

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences between the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and Northwestern University?

  The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) is a large, public land-grant university known for its strong journalism program and SEC athletics. Northwestern University, on the other hand, is a private research university with a smaller student body, located in Evanston, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Northwestern is generally considered more academically selective and has a stronger national and international reputation, particularly in fields like journalism, communication, and engineering.

• How do the academic reputations of Mizzou and Northwestern compare?

  Northwestern University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and globally, boasting a highly competitive academic environment and renowned faculty. Mizzou is a well-respected public university, particularly strong in journalism, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. While Mizzou offers a solid education, Northwestern generally has a stronger academic reputation across a wider range of disciplines.

• What is the difference in cost of attendance between Mizzou and Northwestern?

  Mizzou, as a public university, has a significantly lower cost of attendance, especially for Missouri residents. Northwestern, being a private institution, has a much higher tuition and overall cost of attendance. However, Northwestern also offers substantial financial aid packages, so the net cost for individual students can vary greatly depending on their financial circumstances. It's crucial to compare the net cost (after financial aid) for both schools based on your specific situation.

• How do the campus environments and locations differ?

  Mizzou is located in Columbia, Missouri, a mid-sized college town with a strong sense of community and school spirit. The campus is large and traditional, with a focus on SEC athletics and a vibrant Greek life. Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. This location provides students with access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city while maintaining a more contained campus environment. Northwestern's campus is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, offering beautiful views and recreational opportunities.

• What are the strengths of Mizzou's journalism program compared to Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism?

  Both Mizzou and Northwestern have highly regarded journalism programs. Mizzou's School of Journalism is known for its hands-on approach, offering students numerous opportunities to gain practical experience through its various media outlets, including a working television station and newspaper. Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and its connections to the media industry in Chicago and beyond. Medill also integrates marketing communications into its curriculum more explicitly than Mizzou.

• How do the student bodies at Mizzou and Northwestern differ?

  Mizzou has a larger and more diverse student body, drawing primarily from Missouri and the surrounding states. Northwestern has a smaller, more selective student body, with students coming from all over the United States and the world. Northwestern's student body tends to be more academically focused and career-oriented, while Mizzou's student body reflects a broader range of interests and backgrounds.

• What are the athletic cultures like at Mizzou and Northwestern?

  Mizzou is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its passionate fan base and competitive athletic programs, particularly football. Game days at Mizzou are a major event. Northwestern is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a respectable athletic program, but athletics are not as central to the student experience as they are at Mizzou. While Northwestern students support their teams, the overall atmosphere is less intensely focused on sports.

• What kind of career opportunities are available to graduates of Mizzou and Northwestern?

  Graduates from both Mizzou and Northwestern have access to a wide range of career opportunities. Northwestern's location near Chicago provides access to internships and jobs in various industries, including finance, consulting, media, and technology. Mizzou's strong alumni network and career services help graduates find jobs in Missouri and across the country, particularly in fields like journalism, agriculture, and education. Northwestern graduates may have an edge in highly competitive national and international job markets due to the university's reputation.

• What are some of the unique programs or opportunities offered at each university?

  Mizzou is known for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and journalism, offering unique research opportunities and hands-on experiences in these fields. Northwestern offers a distinctive quarter system, allowing students to take more courses and potentially graduate early. Northwestern also has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and offers unique programs like the Integrated Science Program and the Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences program.

• How does the campus culture differ in terms of social life and extracurricular activities?

  Mizzou has a more traditional college town atmosphere with a strong emphasis on Greek life and SEC athletics. Social life often revolves around campus events, sporting events, and fraternity/sorority activities. Northwestern offers a wider range of extracurricular activities, including numerous student organizations, performing arts groups, and research opportunities. Social life at Northwestern is more diverse and less centered on Greek life, with students pursuing a variety of interests and activities.