Northeastern vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #23). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 90.5%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $66,162); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 32,754 |
| International students | 37% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 95% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Northeastern or Washington university graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Washington university?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $75,604 at Washington university.
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