Notre dame vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 11.3% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $93K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 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 Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 11.3% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1497).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $93K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 90.5%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $66,162); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 98,425 |
| International students | 13% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Notre dame or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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