Head-to-Head Comparison
Northeastern University vs University of Portland
- Northeastern Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 17
- Portland Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Northeastern University achieves a higher graduation rate (90% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $30,915 compared to University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Portland'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 Portland
- Higher grad rate: 90% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $2,705 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,370, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Northeastern graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (21% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 Portland. Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Northeastern University. Net price $28,210 vs $30,915.
Pick Northeastern University over University of Portland. 2.4% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Northeastern University over University of Portland. 90% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Northeastern University and University of Portland 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 University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,497 to 1,277.
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 Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $2,705 a year below Northeastern University's $30,915. Graduates of University of Portland also borrow less: median debt of $21,370, against $24,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,820 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 12% advantage.
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.
Finishing the degree
Northeastern University graduates a larger share of its students, 90% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Northeastern University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.4%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. Northeastern University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Northeastern University 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 University of Portland to keep costs and debt down; pick Northeastern University 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. University of Portland saves about $2,705 a year, yet Northeastern University graduates earn $9,734 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 Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northeastern University's enrollment of 17,326 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Portland's enrollment, and Northeastern University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northeastern offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Portland does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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 Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Northeastern's top program is Business Administration (21% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Northeastern) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Northeastern University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions. 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 Portland?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Northeastern University or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $30,915 at Northeastern University.
Do Northeastern University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Northeastern University or University of Portland?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, 90% versus 80%.
Northeastern University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Northeastern University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Northeastern University or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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