Northeastern vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 90.4% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #801-900). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 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 Old dominion 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 90.4% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1197).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $55K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 15,100 |
| International students | 37% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 77% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Northeastern or Old dominion graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Old dominion?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $30,437 at Old dominion.
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