Washington university vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
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 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 90.5%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $66,162); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 98,425 |
| International students | 27% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Washington university or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Northeastern?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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