Rhode island vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 72.2% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 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 Rhode island for: lower tuition.
Choose Northeastern 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
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 72.2% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1160).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $70K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 98,425 |
| International students | 3% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 60% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Rhode island or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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