Temple vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 80.4% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 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 Temple 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 80.4% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1250).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $64K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Temple | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 15% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.40 | — |
| Number of applications | 40,817 | 98,425 |
| International students | 6% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $64K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 75% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 83% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $24,395 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $38,958 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,833 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 60.5% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $41,808 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $55 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 29,637 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Temple or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Temple accepts 80.4% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Temple or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Temple vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,958 per year at Temple and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Temple or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Temple and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Temple or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Temple vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Temple or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $17,833 at Temple and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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