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College Comparison

Cornell University vs Northeastern University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
Northeastern University
#64
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Ithaca, NY

Boston, MA

Total Enrollment

26,793

32,553

Undergrad Enrollment

16,128

17,432

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

16:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.8%

5.2%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1440–1540

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

62,993

98,425


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,884

$78,680

Avg Net Price

$32,337

$32,116

Tuition (In-State)

$62,456

$59,100

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,456

$59,100

Room & Board

$19,428

$19,580

% Receiving Aid

48.0%

66.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,779

$50,421


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

90.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

35.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

97.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$104,043

$92,538

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Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

Northeastern is in Boston, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Northeastern University is more selective than Cornell University.

The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $32,116 at Northeastern University. Northeastern University is $221 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Cornell University typically score between 1500-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northeastern University, the typical SAT range is 1440-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Northeastern University has a graduation rate of 90%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Cornell University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Northeastern University has a ratio of 16:1. Cornell University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Cornell University, 48% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,779. At Northeastern University, 66% of students receive aid with an average grant of $50,421.

The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, compared to $92,538 for Northeastern University graduates. Graduates from Cornell University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting. Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting.