Boston University vs Northeastern University
Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. Northeastern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 11% at Boston University. Boston University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,402 a year against $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 90% of students graduate at Northeastern University, compared with 89% at Boston University. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $83,238 for Boston University.
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Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Boston University or Northeastern University harder to get into?
- Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 11% at Boston University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Boston University or Northeastern University?
- Boston University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,402 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,915 at Northeastern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Boston University and Northeastern University?
- Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 a year and Boston University about $86,285. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Boston University or Northeastern University?
- Northeastern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,264 there, against about $9,500 at Boston University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Boston University or Northeastern University?
- Boston University is the larger of the two, with about 18,248 undergraduates against 17,326 at Northeastern University.
- Does Boston University or Northeastern University have a better graduation rate?
- Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 89% at Boston University.
- Do graduates of Boston University or Northeastern University earn more?
- Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,238 for Boston University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Boston University and Northeastern University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Boston University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Boston University and Northeastern University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1440–1540 at Northeastern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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