Northeastern vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 40.5% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #301-400). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $77K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,080 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 graduate earnings.
Choose Brandeis for: a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 40.5% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1462).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $77K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 86%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,080); Brandeis offers a larger average aid package ($57,507 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 10,462 |
| International students | 37% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 87% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Northeastern or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $77K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Brandeis?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #301-400 for Brandeis.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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