Bates College vs Northeastern University Oakland
Bates College is highly selective with a 13.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Northeastern University Oakland (16.5%). Graduates of Northeastern University Oakland earn $23,040 more per year at the 10-year mark ($92,538 vs $69,498). For families earning $48k–$75k, Bates College is more affordable at $11,336 net price vs $26,241. Students at Bates College graduate with less debt ($14,275 vs $24,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
Bates College has a higher yield rate (43.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1450, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Lewiston, ME
Oakland, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Bates College is more affordable at $2,397 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $45,886 vs $38,398.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Northeastern University Oakland enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (46%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Bates College
- 1 Economics$69,338
- 2 History$51,273
- 3 Political Science and Government$38,289
- 4 Sociology$35,600
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$30,771
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,413
- 2 Mathematics$64,196
- 3 Economics$60,046
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$55,512
- 5 Communication and Media Studies$49,868
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Bates College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Biology, General
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 English Language and Literature, General
- 3 Sociology
- 4 Public Policy Analysis
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Bates College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$57,353
- Est. total cost/year$73,530
- School typePublic
Northeastern University Oakland
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$62,000
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 21% international enrollment, Northeastern University Oakland likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bates College or Northeastern University Oakland?
Bates College is more selective with a 13.0% acceptance rate, compared to 16.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bates College or Northeastern University Oakland?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $92,538 compared to $69,498. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bates College or Northeastern University Oakland?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Bates College has a lower net price at $11,336 per year vs $26,241. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Which school has more international students: Bates College or Northeastern University Oakland?
Northeastern University Oakland has a larger international student population at 21% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Bates College and Northeastern University Oakland?
At Bates College, Economics graduates earn a median of $69,338 within two years. At Northeastern University Oakland, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $89,413. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.