Northeastern vs. EC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University in Boston, MA with Elmira College in Elmira, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Elmira College is in Elmira, NY (Small City setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Elmira College 11:1.

Northeastern vs. EC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or EC? 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 Elmira College than Northeastern ($23,682 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmira College are 25.7% lower than at Northeastern University ($14,550 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 69.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than EC (about $27,186 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.8% higher at Northeastern than at Elmira College (about $27,186 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College than at Northeastern University (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 75.2% larger than aid received by Elmira College students ($50,421 vs. $28,780).

Northeastern vs. EC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or EC? 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 EC and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 250 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Elmira College 1090/1385.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Elmira College 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; EC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at EC (3.22).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 12.3% at EC.

Northeastern vs. EC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and EC? 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).

• Northeastern University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $23,500 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmira College graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, EC graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More Northeastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 72%)

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.