Northeastern vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northeastern vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or U of R? 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 U of R ($34,207 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 1.1% lower than at University of Rochester ($19,580 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $918 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at U of R than at Northeastern University (about $918 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Northeastern University (72% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 10.8% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($50,421 vs. $45,500).

Northeastern vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or U of R? 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 U of R and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 10 points higher than at U of R (1480).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at U of R).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; U of R - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at U of R (3.75).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Northeastern vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and U of R? 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).

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $3,375 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($253 vs. $288).
• More Northeastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.