Northeastern vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 7.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #33). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $89K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,322 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, lower tuition.
Choose Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 7.7% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | — | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 49,474 |
| International students | 37% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 98% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Northeastern or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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