Northwestern University vs Northeastern University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northwestern University and Northeastern University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northwestern University vs Northeastern University at a glance
Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and Northeastern University 5.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,420 at Northwestern University and $17,850 at Northeastern University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 90.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and Northeastern University 5.2%, so Northeastern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,420 a year at Northwestern University and $17,850 at Northeastern University; Northeastern University costs $16,570 less a year.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Northwestern University, against 90.7% at Northeastern University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $104,255 for Northwestern University and $99,371 for Northeastern University; Northwestern University is $4,884 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,017 at Northwestern University and $20,000 at Northeastern University.
- Northwestern University enrolls 9,201 students (small city) and Northeastern University 17,326 (large city).
Side by side
Northwestern 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 | Northwestern University | Northeastern University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 5.2% |
| Applicants | 47,636 | 75,244 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1440–1540 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,420 | $17,850 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,589 | $69,289 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,589 | $69,289 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,854 | $88,412 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,427 | Not reported |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,536 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,811 | $2,038 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,954 | $11,758 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,074 | $35,152 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 90.7% |
| First-year retention | 98.1% | 96.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $104,255 | $99,371 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,017 | $20,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $193 | $227 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 9,201 | 17,326 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Evanston, IL | 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
Northwestern University reports 85 bachelor's programs and Northeastern University 77; 46 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northwestern University vs Northeastern University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and Northeastern University admits 5.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northwestern University 1510–1570; Northeastern University 1440–1540.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has the lower average net price after grants: $34,420 a year at Northwestern University against $17,850 at Northeastern University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northwestern University or Northeastern University graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the median: $104,255 ten years after entry for Northwestern University and $99,371 for Northeastern University. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,017 and $20,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northwestern University or Northeastern University?
Northwestern University does: 96.1% of Northwestern University students graduate within six years, against 90.7% at Northeastern University.
How big are Northwestern University and Northeastern University?
Northwestern University has 9,201 students in Evanston, IL and Northeastern University has 17,326 students in Boston, MA.