Northeastern University Oakland vs. Bowdoin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, CA with Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowdoin College is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Bowdoin College is in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; Bowdoin College 9:1.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Bowdoin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland or Bowdoin College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bowdoin College than Northeastern University Oakland ($22,228 vs. $27,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowdoin College are 5.6% lower than at Northeastern University Oakland ($18,488 vs. $19,580).
• Bowdoin College is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern University Oakland (about $54 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Bowdoin College than at Northeastern University Oakland (about $54 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at Bowdoin College (67% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 8.5% larger than aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students ($62,872 vs. $57,948).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Bowdoin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland or Bowdoin College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bowdoin College and Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 40 points higher than at Northeastern University Oakland (1470).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Northeastern University Oakland).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; Bowdoin College 1470/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; Bowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; Bowdoin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027.
• Northeastern University Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (16.7%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 53.6% at Bowdoin College.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Bowdoin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland and Bowdoin College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $30,600 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $4,667 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($18,833 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($194 vs. $242).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.