Penn vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 5.4% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #201-300). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,686 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 Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 5.4% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1497).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $93K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 98,425 |
| International students | 24% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Penn or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Northeastern?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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