Northeastern vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 88.7% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state 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 88.7% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1204).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $63K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 23,095 |
| International students | 37% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Northeastern or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Iowa state?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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