Northeastern University vs NYU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northeastern University and New York University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northeastern University vs NYU at a glance
Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and NYU 9.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $17,850 at Northeastern University and $35,737 at NYU. Six-year graduation rates are 90.7% and 87.8%, 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 NYU 9.2%, so Northeastern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $17,850 a year at Northeastern University and $35,737 at NYU; Northeastern University costs $17,887 less a year.
- 90.7% of students graduate within six years at Northeastern University, against 87.8% at NYU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,371 for Northeastern University and $90,957 for NYU; Northeastern University is $8,414 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Northeastern University and $19,000 at NYU.
- Northeastern University enrolls 17,326 students (large city) and NYU 28,663 (large city).
Side by side
Northeastern University and NYU 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 | NYU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 9.2% |
| Applicants | 75,244 | 95,517 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1440–1540 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $17,850 | $35,737 |
| Tuition, in state | $69,289 | $65,622 |
| Tuition, out of state | $69,289 | $65,622 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,412 | $86,574 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $16,349 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $15,400 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $2,038 | $21,188 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,758 | $31,450 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,152 | $68,303 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 90.7% | 87.8% |
| First-year retention | 96.9% | 95.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,371 | $90,957 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 17,326 | 28,663 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Boston, MA | New York, NY |
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 NYU 77; 46 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Economics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Questions about Northeastern University vs NYU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northeastern University or NYU?
Northeastern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and NYU admits 9.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northeastern University 1440–1540; NYU 1480–1560.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern University or NYU?
Northeastern University has the lower average net price after grants: $17,850 a year at Northeastern University against $35,737 at NYU. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northeastern University or NYU graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more at the median: $99,371 ten years after entry for Northeastern University and $90,957 for NYU. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northeastern University or NYU?
Northeastern University does: 90.7% of Northeastern University students graduate within six years, against 87.8% at NYU.
How big are Northeastern University and NYU?
Northeastern University has 17,326 students in Boston, MA and NYU has 28,663 students in New York, NY.