Northeastern vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Northeastern vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Northeastern ($28,719 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 10.6% lower than at Northeastern University ($17,510 vs. $19,580).
• Hamilton College is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $2,798 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Hamilton College than at Northeastern University (about $2,798 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Hamilton College (66% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 10.1% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($55,511 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 10 points higher than at Northeastern (1490).
• Incoming Northeastern students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Hamilton College (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Hamilton College (3.87).
• Hamilton College has a higher acceptance rate (13.6%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Northeastern vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Hamilton 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $12,115 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($162 vs. $288).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 79%)

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.