Southern california vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 9.8% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #201-300). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($92K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 9.8% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1495).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $92K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 98,425 |
| International students | 27% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Southern california or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $92K at Southern california and $93K at Northeastern.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Northeastern?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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