Head-to-Head Comparison
Northeastern University vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Northeastern Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 18
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Northeastern University achieves a higher graduation rate (90% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $30,915 compared to University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park'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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than University of Maryland-College Park
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $15,237 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Northeastern graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (21% of degrees); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 Northeastern University over University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Northeastern University. Net price $15,678 vs $30,915.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Northeastern University and University of Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but Northeastern University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of Maryland-College Park takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,497 to 1,473.
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, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $15,237 a year below Northeastern University's $30,915. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $24,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $60,948 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Northeastern University graduates report median earnings of $92,538, compared with $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park to keep costs and debt down; pick Northeastern University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Maryland-College Park saves about $15,237 a year, yet Northeastern University graduates earn $9,678 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Northeastern University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $30,915 runs well above University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,250, against $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Northeastern University's 17,326.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northeastern holds onto its admits more tightly: 34% of admitted students enroll, versus 22% at Maryland-College Park — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Northeastern offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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 Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
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 Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Northeastern University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 University of Maryland-College Park?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which is more affordable, Northeastern University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $30,915 at Northeastern University.
Do Northeastern University or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, Northeastern University or University of Maryland-College Park?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, 90% versus 89%.
Should you choose Northeastern University or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Northeastern University 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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