Northeastern University vs University of Southern California
Northeastern University is extremely selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Southern California (10.0%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $92,538. For families earning $48k–$75k, Northeastern University is more affordable at $5,301 net price vs $19,539. Students at University of Southern California graduate with less debt ($18,000 vs $24,250).
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. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1500, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Boston, MA
Los Angeles, 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), Northeastern University is more affordable at $2,264 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,696 vs $56,116.
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 Southern California enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), 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 Southern California
- 1 Computer Software and Media Applications$108,649
- 2 Computer Science$91,986
- 3 Computer Engineering$90,602
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$80,567
- 5 Industrial Engineering$78,029
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 Southern California
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Human Biology
- 5 Psychology, 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 Southern California
- International students27%
- Tuition (international)$59,260
- Est. total cost/year$76,673
- 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 Southern California?
Northeastern University is more selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, compared to 10.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northeastern University or University of Southern California?
Northeastern University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $92,538 compared to $92,498. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northeastern University or University of Southern California?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northeastern University has a lower net price at $5,301 per year vs $19,539. 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 Southern California?
University of Southern California has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 91.9%, 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 Southern California?
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 Southern California?
At Northeastern University, Computer Engineering graduates earn a median of $89,564 within two years. At University of Southern California, the top-earning major is Computer Software and Media Applications at $108,649. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.