Texas rio grande valley vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 94.2% 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 $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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 Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 94.2% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 985).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $50K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas rio grande valley | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 55.4% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 985 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 12,137 | 98,425 |
| International students | 3% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $50K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $67K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 78.9% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $12,950 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $19,827 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,242 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 72% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $14,589 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 31,864 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas rio grande valley or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Texas rio grande valley or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Texas rio grande valley vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Texas rio grande valley or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 985 at Texas rio grande valley and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas rio grande valley or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas rio grande valley or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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