Northeastern vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Northeastern vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($34,207 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 25.7% lower than at Northeastern University ($14,548 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $3,357 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at Northeastern than at Muhlenberg College (about $3,357 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Northeastern University (99% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 18.5% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($50,421 vs. $42,545).

Northeastern vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Northeastern vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $1,385 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($273 vs. $288).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.