Northeastern vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #55). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, 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 42.4% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1440).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $81K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | — | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 73,742 |
| International students | 37% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Northeastern or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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