Head-to-Head Comparison
Northeastern University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Northeastern Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 13
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Northeastern University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,915 vs Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346, Northeastern University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Northeastern University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Northeastern
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,915, roughly $10,431 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 90% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,250, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 18% more than Northeastern University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Northeastern graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (21% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Northeastern University. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $92,538.
Pick Northeastern University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $30,915 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Northeastern University. 4.3% mobility rate vs 2.4%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Northeastern University and Stevens Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Northeastern University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Northeastern University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,497 to 1,446.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Northeastern University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Northeastern University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,915, about $10,431 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Northeastern University also borrow less: median debt of $24,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $41,724 before any change in aid. Choosing Northeastern University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $92,538 at Northeastern University. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Northeastern University, it is 2.4%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Northeastern University to keep costs and debt down; pick Stevens Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Northeastern University saves about $10,431 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $16,234 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Northeastern University is harder to get into, with a 5% admit rate, but Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Stevens Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northeastern University's enrollment of 17,326 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above Northeastern University's $30,915.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Northeastern University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northeastern holds onto its admits more tightly: 34% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Stevens Technology — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Northeastern offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stevens Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Rankings They Appear On
Northeastern University is featured on the Colleges With the Biggest Early Decision Advantage ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Northeastern's top program is Business Administration (21% of enrollment), while Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Northeastern) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Northeastern University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Northeastern University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Northeastern University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Northeastern University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,915 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Northeastern University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $92,538 at Northeastern University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Northeastern University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, 90% versus 88%.
Northeastern University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 2.4%.
Should you choose Northeastern University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Northeastern University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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