Yale vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with Northeastern University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than Yale based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 15,564 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Yale vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale or Northeastern? 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 Yale University than Northeastern ($22,408 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 1.6% lower than at Yale University ($19,580 vs. $19,900).
• Yale University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $1,088 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Yale than at Northeastern University (about $1,088 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Yale University (66% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 30.7% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($65,892 vs. $50,421).

Yale vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern and Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 30 points higher than at Northeastern (1490).
• Incoming Yale students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Northeastern (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Northeastern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Northeastern (3.91).
• Northeastern has a higher acceptance rate (5.2%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Yale vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale and Northeastern? 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).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $48,900 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $14,375 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($13,500 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $149 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($139 vs. $288).
• More Yale 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.