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College Comparison

MIT vs Northeastern University: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

MIT

Cambridge, MA

School

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricMITNortheastern
Acceptance Rate4.7%wins9.9%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1510–1580wins1460–1550
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–36wins33–35
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,156wins$63,141
Avg Net Price$19,813wins$32,116
Median Earnings (10 yr)$143,372wins$92,538
Graduation Rate96.1%wins90.4%
Retention Rate99.0%wins97.5%
Student–Faculty Ratio3:1wins16:1
Total Enrollment4,57115,719wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, MIT edges out Northeastern on 9 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

MIT Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,156

Northeastern Strengths

  • Total Enrollment: 15,719

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