Northwestern vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 7.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $89K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 7.7% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 98,425 |
| International students | 20% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Northwestern or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Northeastern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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