Maryland (umbc) vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 72.4% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) 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 72.4% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1323).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $70K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | — |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 98,425 |
| International students | 17% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 47% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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