<p>I have a son who is a Junior at Emory. A daughter who graduated from Northwestern. Pretty good feel for both. The advice from these replies is even-handed and largely accurate. Couple things not mentioned. Dorms: Emory wins hands down. Amazed at what Northwestern gets away with for dorms; they are terrible. Emory has much nicer dorm facilities. Some students don’t care but it could be a consideration.
More East coast students at Emory but it does not dominate the culture. While Emory is in the south, it has so many students from the NY Tristate area and elsewhere, it does not have a ‘Southern’ feel to it like, say, Vanderbilt. A decidedly different feel at NU which is more midwest. </p>
<p>As a parent, I have been quite satisfied with both schools. My children have made great friends at both schools. </p>
<p>But your son is going to have to live with the decision. It may be based upon where he feels more comfortable since this may have something to do with any success that he achieves at the school. If he has not visited, obviously, he should do so. </p>
<p>Feel free to PM me if you have further questions.</p>