Northeastern vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Smith College 8:1.

Northeastern vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Smith 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 Smith College than Northeastern ($27,305 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 13.2% lower than at Smith College ($19,580 vs. $22,570).
• Northeastern University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $984 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Northeastern than at Smith College (about $984 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Smith College than at Northeastern University (67% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 16.5% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($58,725 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 10 points higher than at Smith College (1480).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Smith College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Northeastern (3.91).
• Smith College has a higher acceptance rate (21%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Northeastern vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Smith 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).

• Smith College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $20,600 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $8,875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($196 vs. $288).
• More Smith College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.