Rochester vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 40.1% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $79K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $67,080 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 Rochester for: a higher world ranking, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 40.1% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1488).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $79K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 85.4%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 98,425 |
| International students | 37% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Rochester or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Northeastern?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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