Head-to-Head Comparison
Northeastern University vs Washington University in St Louis
- Northeastern Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 13
- Washington St Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington University in St Louis offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,786 vs Northeastern University's $30,915, Washington University in St Louis delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington University in St Louis'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, 7% more than Washington University in St Louis
- 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
Washington St
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,786, roughly $9,129 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #38
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Northeastern graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (21% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Northeastern University. Net price $21,786 vs $30,915.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Northeastern University. THE World Rank #38 vs #201-225.
Pick Northeastern University over Washington University in St Louis. 2.4% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Northeastern University. 94% completion rate vs 90%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Northeastern University and Washington University in St Louis split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Northeastern University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Washington University in St Louis takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,497 to 1,530.
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, Washington University in St Louis comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,786, about $9,129 a year below Northeastern University's $30,915. Graduates of Washington University in St Louis also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $24,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $36,516 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington University in St Louis 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 $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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
Washington University in St Louis graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 90%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Washington University in St Louis, it is 1%. Northeastern University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Washington University in St Louis sits higher, at #38 versus #201.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Washington University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis saves about $9,129 a year, yet Northeastern University graduates earn $6,356 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Washington University in St Louis ranks higher globally (#38 vs #201-225), but Northeastern University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Northeastern University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Biology & Biomedical, 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 Washington University in St Louis's $21,786.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,250, against $17,500 at Washington University in St Louis.
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northeastern University's enrollment of 17,326 far exceeds Washington University in St Louis's 7,857.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington University in St Louis's enrollment, and Northeastern University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and Northeastern University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 34% at Northeastern — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Northeastern (43.0% Early Decision admit rate vs 27.0%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Northeastern, where only about 31% 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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
Rankings They Appear On
Washington University in St Louis is featured on the Best Colleges in Missouri ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Northeastern's top program is Business Administration (21% of enrollment), while Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
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 Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Northeastern University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis.
Which is more affordable, Northeastern University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,786 after aid versus $30,915 at Northeastern University.
Do Northeastern University or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, Northeastern University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 90%.
Northeastern University vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Northeastern University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 1%.
Should you choose Northeastern University or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington University in St Louis 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Northeastern and Washington St stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
