College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Northeastern University vs Northwestern University

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

Northeastern University
#64
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

32,553

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

17,432

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

5.2%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1440–1540

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

98,425

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,680

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$32,116

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$59,100

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,100

$62,391

Room & Board

$19,580

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

66.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$50,421

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

35.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$92,538

$89,363

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Northeastern is in Boston, MA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northeastern University is more selective than Northwestern University.

The average net price at Northeastern University is $32,116 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $4,973 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northeastern University typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Northeastern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Northeastern University, 66% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $50,421. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Northeastern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $92,538, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northeastern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.