Northeastern University vs Harvard University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northeastern University and Harvard University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northeastern University vs Harvard University at a glance
Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and Harvard University 3.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $17,850 at Northeastern University and $19,148 at Harvard University. Six-year graduation rates are 90.7% and 97.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and Harvard University 3.7%, so Harvard University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $17,850 a year at Northeastern University and $19,148 at Harvard University; Northeastern University costs $1,298 less a year.
- 90.7% of students graduate within six years at Northeastern University, against 97.1% at Harvard University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,371 for Northeastern University and $121,957 for Harvard University; Harvard University is $22,586 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Northeastern University and $17,559 at Harvard University.
- Northeastern University enrolls 17,326 students (large city) and Harvard University 7,601 (midsize city).
Side by side
Northeastern University and Harvard 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 | Northeastern University | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 3.7% |
| Applicants | 75,244 | 57,786 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1440–1540 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $17,850 | $19,148 |
| Tuition, in state | $69,289 | $64,796 |
| Tuition, out of state | $69,289 | $64,796 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,412 | $89,279 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $2,542 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $2,070 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $2,038 | $4,126 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,758 | $9,995 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,152 | $51,128 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 90.7% | 97.1% |
| First-year retention | 96.9% | 98.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,371 | $121,957 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $17,559 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $200 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 17,326 | 7,601 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Boston, MA | Cambridge, 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
Northeastern University reports 77 bachelor's programs and Harvard University 66; 35 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northeastern University vs Harvard University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northeastern University or Harvard University?
Harvard University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and Harvard University admits 3.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northeastern University 1440–1540; Harvard University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern University or Harvard University?
Northeastern University has the lower average net price after grants: $17,850 a year at Northeastern University against $19,148 at Harvard University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northeastern University or Harvard University graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more at the median: $99,371 ten years after entry for Northeastern University and $121,957 for Harvard University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $17,559.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northeastern University or Harvard University?
Harvard University does: 90.7% of Northeastern University students graduate within six years, against 97.1% at Harvard University.
How big are Northeastern University and Harvard University?
Northeastern University has 17,326 students in Boston, MA and Harvard University has 7,601 students in Cambridge, MA.