Northeastern vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 11.7% acceptance). Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #101-150). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $66,246 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: higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: a higher world ranking, 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 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1497).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $93K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $66,246); Carnegie mellon offers a larger average aid package ($60,909 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 33,941 |
| International students | 37% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 98% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Northeastern or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Carnegie mellon?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #101-150 for Carnegie mellon.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
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