Boston University vs Northeastern University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Boston University and Northeastern University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Boston University vs Northeastern University at a glance
Boston University admits 11.1% of applicants and Northeastern University 5.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $36,503 at Boston University and $17,850 at Northeastern University. Six-year graduation rates are 89.5% and 90.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Boston University admits 11.1% of applicants and Northeastern University 5.2%, so Northeastern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $36,503 a year at Boston University and $17,850 at Northeastern University; Northeastern University costs $18,653 less a year.
- 89.5% of students graduate within six years at Boston University, against 90.7% at Northeastern University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,087 for Boston University and $99,371 for Northeastern University; Northeastern University is $10,284 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,500 at Boston University and $20,000 at Northeastern University.
- Boston University enrolls 18,248 students (large city) and Northeastern University 17,326 (large city).
Side by side
Boston University and Northeastern University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Boston University | Northeastern University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 5.2% |
| Applicants | 75,778 | 75,244 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1420–1530 | 1440–1540 |
| ACT middle 50% | 32–34 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $36,503 | $17,850 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,372 | $69,289 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,372 | $69,289 |
| Cost of attendance | $90,106 | $88,412 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,336 | Not reported |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $39,763 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $52,880 | $2,038 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $70,352 | $11,758 |
| Over $110,000 | $83,101 | $35,152 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.5% | 90.7% |
| First-year retention | 94.7% | 96.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,087 | $99,371 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,500 | $20,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $199 | $227 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 18,248 | 17,326 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Boston University reports 80 bachelor's programs and Northeastern University 77; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Boston University vs Northeastern University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Boston University admits 11.1% of applicants and Northeastern University admits 5.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Boston University 1420–1530; Northeastern University 1440–1540.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has the lower average net price after grants: $36,503 a year at Boston University against $17,850 at Northeastern University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Boston University or Northeastern University graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more at the median: $89,087 ten years after entry for Boston University and $99,371 for Northeastern University. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,500 and $20,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University does: 89.5% of Boston University students graduate within six years, against 90.7% at Northeastern University.
How big are Boston University and Northeastern University?
Boston University has 18,248 students in Boston, MA and Northeastern University has 17,326 students in Boston, MA.