Yale University vs Northeastern University
Yale University is extremely selective with a 4.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Northeastern University (5.7%). Graduates of Yale University earn $7,995 more per year at the 10-year mark ($100,533 vs $92,538). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northeastern University is more affordable at $10,482 net price vs $20,900. Students at Yale University graduate with less debt ($12,975 vs $24,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
Yale University has a higher yield rate (70.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Yale University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1500).
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 $5,900 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,347 vs $51,753.
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. Yale University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), 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.
Yale University
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$122,038
- 2 Economics$86,621
- 3 Natural Resources Conservation and Research$60,161
- 4 International Relations and National Security Studies$52,107
- 5 Political Science and Government$48,823
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.
Yale University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 History
- 5 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
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.
Yale University
- International students24%
- Tuition (international)$57,700
- Est. total cost/year$74,900
- 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 Yale University or Northeastern University?
Yale University is more selective with a 4.5% acceptance rate, compared to 5.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Yale University or Northeastern University?
Yale University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $100,533 compared to $92,538. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Yale University or Northeastern University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northeastern University has a lower net price at $10,482 per year vs $20,900. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Yale University vs Northeastern University?
Yale University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.3%, compared to 90.4%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Yale 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 Yale University and Northeastern University?
At Yale University, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $122,038 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.