Cornell vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #201-300). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $69,314 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 Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1497).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $93K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 98,425 |
| International students | 26% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Cornell or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Northeastern?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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