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Northeastern University vs Smith College

Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants and Smith College about 21%, making Northeastern University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $27,579 a year at Smith College after aid, and about $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 90% of students graduate at Northeastern University, compared with 89% at Smith College. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $64,027 for Smith College.

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Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Northampton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,326
2,544
Acceptance rate
5%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1420–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,915
$27,579
Full cost / yr
$84,641
$86,030
In-state tuition
$66,162
$65,178
Out-of-state tuition
$66,162
$65,178
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,264
$1,363
$30k - $48k
$2,436
$3,737
$48k - $75k
$5,301
$6,559
$75k - $110k
$16,241
$11,750
Over $110k
$47,696
$40,477
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
89%
Freshman retention
97%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,413
$45,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,538
$64,027
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
$17,550
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
18%
First-generation students
19%
19%
International students
14%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 15

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Northeastern University or Smith College harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern University or Smith College?
Smith College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,579 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 Northeastern University and Smith College?
Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 a year and Smith College about $86,030. 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, Northeastern University or Smith College?
Smith College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,363 there, against about $2,264 at Northeastern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northeastern University or Smith College?
Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 2,544 at Smith College.
Does Northeastern University or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 89% at Smith College.
Do graduates of Northeastern University or Smith College earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northeastern University and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Northeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Northeastern University and Smith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Northeastern University and 1420–1540 at Smith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school