Northeastern vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northeastern vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University than Northeastern ($12,778 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 26.9% lower than at Northeastern University ($14,307 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 461.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $54,376 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 270.3% higher at Northeastern than at Worcester State University (about $48,296 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Northeastern University (80% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 432.8% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($50,421 vs. $9,464).

Northeastern vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 340 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Northeastern vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Worcester State University? 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).

• Northeastern University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $7,875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($206 vs. $288).
• More Northeastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 66%)

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.