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University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs Northeastern University

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public university in Amherst, MA. Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants and University of Massachusetts-Amherst about 60%, making Northeastern University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,383 a year at University of Massachusetts-Amherst after aid, and about $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 90% of students graduate at Northeastern University, compared with 83% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $71,631 for University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,671
17,326
Acceptance rate
60%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1500
1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,383
$30,915
Full cost / yr
$34,549
$84,641
In-state tuition
$17,772
$66,162
Out-of-state tuition
$40,449
$66,162
Application fee
$85
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,164
$2,264
$30k - $48k
$10,456
$2,436
$48k - $75k
$12,932
$5,301
$75k - $110k
$18,964
$16,241
Over $110k
$30,793
$47,696
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
90%
Freshman retention
92%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,347
$78,413
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,631
$92,538
Median debt at graduation
$22,763
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
12%
First-generation students
22%
19%
International students
8%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Northeastern University harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Northeastern University?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,383 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Northeastern University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Amherst costs about $34,549 a year and Northeastern University about $84,641. 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, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,264 there, against about $10,164 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Northeastern University?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the larger of the two, with about 23,671 undergraduates against 17,326 at Northeastern University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Northeastern University have a better graduation rate?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 83% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Northeastern University earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,631 for University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Northeastern University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Northeastern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1500 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst and 1440–1540 at Northeastern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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