College Comparison
Northeastern University vs Purdue 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
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
School
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Northeastern | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 9.9%wins | 50.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1460–1550wins | 1190–1460 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 27–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,141 | $28,794wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,116 | $13,945wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,538wins | $72,424 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.4%wins | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 97.5%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 14:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,719 | 39,637wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northeastern edges out Purdue on 6 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.
Northeastern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,538
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 39,637
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