Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Northeastern University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

32
Massachusetts Wins
7
Tied / N/A
7
Northeastern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
4,535
Enrollment
17,326
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1560
SAT Average
1497
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
1520-1580
SAT Range
1440-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,396
In-State Tuition
$66,162
$62,396
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,162
$20,111
Average Net Price
$30,915
$-2,533
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,264
$93
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,436
$1,480
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,301
$48,479
Net Price ($110K+)
$47,696
19%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
7%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
90%
99%
Retention Rate
97%
99%
Full-Time Faculty
70%
$24,177
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,218
26%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

37%
Female
54%
21%
White
40%
14%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
5%
35%
Asian
22%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$131,633
Earnings (6yr)
$78,413
$135,278
Earnings (8yr)
$82,813
$143,372
Earnings (10yr)
$92,538
$14,768
Median Debt
$24,250
0.1x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
87%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

339.82%
Mobility Rate
243.76%
6652.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4736.7%
510.8%
From Bottom 20%
514.6%
$141,000
Parent Median Income
$108,300

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.79
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.03
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
8.4%

Research (Times HE)

#3
World Rank
#201-225
97.8
Teaching Score
30.4
91.4
Research Score
18.9
99.9
Citations Score
70

The Overviews

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $143,372 earnings $20,111 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.

The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 90% grad $92,538 earnings $30,915 net

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad