Northeastern vs Boston college — 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 (#201-300 vs #501-600). 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 Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
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 | Northeastern | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 34,779 |
| International students | 37% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 96% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Northeastern or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Boston college?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Boston college?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $61,753 at Boston college.
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