Northeastern vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 9.8% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #62). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($93K vs $92K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 9.8% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1495).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $92K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | — | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 82,027 |
| International students | 37% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Northeastern or Southern california graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $93K at Northeastern and $92K at Southern california.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Southern california?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Southern california?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $71,169 at Southern california.
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