Northeastern University Oakland vs The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Northeastern University Oakland is highly selective with a 16.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (19.1%). Graduates of Northeastern University Oakland earn $8,691 more per year at the 10-year mark ($92,538 vs $83,847). For families earning $48k–$75k, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is more affordable at $10,457 net price vs $26,241. Students at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $24,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has a higher yield rate (52.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1470, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
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), The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is more affordable at $3,749 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $38,398 vs $25,870.
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.
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
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
- 1 Astronomy and Astrophysics$43,798
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.
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 English Language and Literature, General
- 3 Sociology
- 4 Public Policy Analysis
- 5 Biology, General
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
- 1 Fine and Studio Arts
- 2 Architecture
- 3 Civil Engineering
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- 5 Mechanical Engineering
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.
Northeastern University Oakland
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$62,000
- School typePublic
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$44,550
- Est. total cost/year$64,230
- 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 Northeastern University Oakland or The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
Northeastern University Oakland is more selective with a 16.5% acceptance rate, compared to 19.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northeastern University Oakland or The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $92,538 compared to $83,847. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northeastern University Oakland or The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has a lower net price at $10,457 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: Northeastern University Oakland or The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
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 Northeastern University Oakland and The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
At Northeastern University Oakland, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $89,413 within two years. At The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, the top-earning major is Astronomy and Astrophysics at $43,798. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.