Illinois urbana-champaign vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 42.4% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1440).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $81K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 98,425 |
| International students | 25% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Northeastern?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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