Northeastern vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 63.5% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $93K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 63.5% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1456).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $93K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $66,162); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 15,819 |
| International students | 37% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 98% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Northeastern or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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