Boston college vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 16.4% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #201-300). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 16.4% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1497).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $93K); Boston college has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 98,425 |
| International students | 12% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Boston college or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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