Northeastern University vs University of Pennsylvania
Northeastern University is extremely selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Pennsylvania (5.9%). Graduates of University of Pennsylvania earn $18,833 more per year at the 10-year mark ($111,371 vs $92,538). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northeastern University is more affordable at $5,301 net price vs $17,585. Students at University of Pennsylvania graduate with less debt ($15,715 vs $24,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Pennsylvania has a higher yield rate (69.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. University of Pennsylvania has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1500).
Boston, MA
Philadelphia, PA
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), University of Pennsylvania is more affordable at $1,026 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,696 vs $57,603.
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. University of Pennsylvania enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (16%), 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
- 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
University of Pennsylvania
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$138,932
- 2 Computer Science$125,015
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$122,725
- 4 Systems Engineering$101,964
- 5 International/Global Studies$84,653
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
- 1 Business/Commerce, General
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Mechanical Engineering
- 4 Engineering, Other
- 5 Economics
University of Pennsylvania
- 1 Data Analytics
- 2 Economics
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Philosophy
- 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.
Northeastern University
- International students39%
- Tuition (international)$54,360
- Est. total cost/year$72,932
- School typePublic
University of Pennsylvania
- International students24%
- Tuition (international)$53,166
- Est. total cost/year$76,826
- 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 Northeastern University or University of Pennsylvania?
Northeastern University is more selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, compared to 5.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northeastern University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $111,371 compared to $92,538. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northeastern University or University of Pennsylvania?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northeastern University has a lower net price at $5,301 per year vs $17,585. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Northeastern University vs University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.8%, compared to 90.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Northeastern University or University of Pennsylvania?
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 Northeastern University and University of Pennsylvania?
At Northeastern University, Computer Engineering graduates earn a median of $89,564 within two years. At University of Pennsylvania, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $138,932. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.