Northeastern vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $69,314 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 Cornell 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 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1497).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $93K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 67,846 |
| International students | 37% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Northeastern or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Cornell?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $62,257 at Cornell.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina