Connecticut vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 52.4% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $66,162 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 Connecticut for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 52.4% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1348).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $74K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 98,425 |
| International students | 11% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Connecticut or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $46,555 at Northeastern.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern