Northeastern vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University in Boston, MA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Northeastern vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Olin 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 Northeastern University than Olin College ($34,207 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 5.9% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($19,580 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $236 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Olin College than at Northeastern University (about $236 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Northeastern University (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 16.5% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($50,421 vs. $43,290).

Northeastern vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or Olin 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 Olin College and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 40 points higher than at Northeastern (1490).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Olin College (3.9).
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Northeastern vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $13,165 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($14,710 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $136 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($152 vs. $288).

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.