Northeastern vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #35). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina 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 15.3% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1439).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 90.5%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 66,535 |
| International students | 37% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Northeastern or North carolina graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or North carolina?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $20,705 at North carolina.
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