College Comparison
Northeastern University vs Santa Clara University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Santa Clara, CA
Total Enrollment
32,553
9,728
Undergrad Enrollment
17,432
6,577
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
5.2%
48.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.74
SAT Range
1440–1540
1350–1490
ACT Range
33–35
31–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$70
Total Applicants
98,425
18,970
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,680
$76,773
Avg Net Price
$32,116
$50,959
Tuition (In-State)
$59,100
$56,880
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,100
$56,880
Room & Board
$19,580
$19,893
% Receiving Aid
66.0%
71.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$50,421
$28,368
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
35.0%
85.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$92,538
$109,183
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Explore by Location
Northeastern is in Boston, MA
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Northeastern University is $32,116 per year, compared to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. Northeastern University is $18,843 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Northeastern University typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Santa Clara University, the typical SAT range is 1350-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Northeastern University has a graduation rate of 90%, while Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%. Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Northeastern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Santa Clara University has a ratio of 11:1. Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,368.
The median earnings for Northeastern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $92,538, compared to $109,183 for Santa Clara University graduates. Graduates from Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting.

