Northeastern vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 73.9% acceptance). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, 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 73.9% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1250).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $62K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 31,716 |
| International students | 37% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 87% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Houston?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Northeastern or Houston graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Houston?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $16,450 at Houston.
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