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Northeastern University vs Williams College

Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA. Northeastern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 8% at Williams College. Williams College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,716 a year against $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 95% of students graduate at Williams College, compared with 90% at Northeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $88,665 for Williams College.

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Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Williamstown, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,326
2,076
Acceptance rate
5%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1490–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,915
$17,716
Full cost / yr
$84,641
$84,860
In-state tuition
$66,162
$68,560
Out-of-state tuition
$66,162
$68,560
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,264
$0*
$30k - $48k
$2,436
$0*
$48k - $75k
$5,301
$0*
$75k - $110k
$16,241
$3,030
Over $110k
$47,696
$49,594
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
95%
Freshman retention
97%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,413
$71,754
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,538
$88,665
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
$12,761
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
18%
First-generation students
19%
22%
International students
14%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Williams College harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 8% at Williams 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 Williams College?
Williams College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,716 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 Williams College?
Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 a year and Williams College about $84,860. 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 Williams College?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 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 Williams College?
Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 2,076 at Williams College.
Does Northeastern University or Williams College have a better graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 90% at Northeastern University.
Do graduates of Northeastern University or Williams College earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $88,665 for Williams College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northeastern University and Williams College require SAT or ACT scores?
Northeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Williams College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Northeastern University and Williams College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Northeastern University and 1490–1570 at Williams 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