Boston University vs Northeastern University
Northeastern University is extremely selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boston University (10.8%). Graduates of Northeastern University earn $9,300 more per year at the 10-year mark ($92,538 vs $83,238). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northeastern University is more affordable at $5,301 net price vs $11,778.
Admissions & Outcomes
Northeastern University has a higher yield rate (50.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Northeastern University has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1470).
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
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), Northeastern University is more affordable at $2,264 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,504 vs $47,696.
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. Boston University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), 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.
Boston University
- 1 Computer Science$84,994
- 2 Computer Engineering$82,440
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,829
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$68,858
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$67,660
Northeastern University
- 1 Computer Engineering$89,564
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,413
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,773
- 4 Physics$74,200
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$72,771
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.
Boston University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Economics
- 5 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Northeastern University
- 1 Business/Commerce, General
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Mechanical Engineering
- 4 Engineering, Other
- 5 Economics
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.
Boston University
- International students29%
- Tuition (international)$56,854
- Est. total cost/year$74,712
- School typePublic
Northeastern University
- International students39%
- Tuition (international)$54,360
- Est. total cost/year$72,932
- 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 39% international enrollment, Northeastern University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is more selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, compared to 10.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $92,538 compared to $83,238. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Boston University or Northeastern University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northeastern University has a lower net price at $5,301 per year vs $11,778. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Boston University vs Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.5%, compared to 89.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has a larger international student population at 39% 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 Boston University and Northeastern University?
At Boston University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $84,994 within two years. At Northeastern University, the top-earning major is Computer Engineering at $89,564. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.