Harvard University vs Northeastern University
Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants and Northeastern University about 5%, making Harvard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,066 a year at Harvard University after aid, and about $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 90% at Northeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $92,538 for Northeastern University.
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- Is Harvard University or Northeastern University harder to get into?
- Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 5% at Northeastern 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, Harvard University or Northeastern University?
- Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 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 Harvard University and Northeastern University?
- Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 a year and Harvard University about $85,540. 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, Harvard University or Northeastern University?
- Northeastern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,264 there, against about $8,697 at Harvard University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Harvard University or Northeastern University?
- Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 7,601 at Harvard University.
- Does Harvard University or Northeastern University have a better graduation rate?
- Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 90% at Northeastern University.
- Do graduates of Harvard University or Northeastern University earn more?
- Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $92,538 for Northeastern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Harvard University and Northeastern University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. Northeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Harvard University and Northeastern University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1440–1540 at Northeastern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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