Northeastern vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 5.2% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $93K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 5.2% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1497).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $93K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 90.5%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $66,162); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | — | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 60,646 |
| International students | 37% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 97% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $75 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Northeastern or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Stanford?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $75,816 at Stanford.
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