Northeastern vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 10.7% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #101-150). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 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 Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Emory for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 10.7% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $80K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 90.5%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $66,162); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 34,614 |
| International students | 37% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 96% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Emory?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do Northeastern or Emory graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Emory?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Emory?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $67,329 at Emory.
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