Boston, MA · Private University
Is Northeastern University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$92,538
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,141
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,141
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$252,564
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.47x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
90.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$32,116
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northeastern University graduates earn $47,538 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northeastern University ranked by graduate earnings
330 graduates
116 graduates
86 graduates
51 graduates
679 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northeastern University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Northeastern University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $132,227) and the lowest (Visual and Performing Arts, General: $27,246) is $104,981/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $132,227 | 2.1x |
| Computer Engineering | $121,329 | 1.9x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $95,290 | 1.5x |
| Industrial Engineering | $95,290 | 1.5x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $91,376 | 1.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,235 | 1.4x |
| International Business | $91,133 | 1.4x |
| Chemical Engineering | $91,084 | 1.4x |
| Mathematics | $90,232 | 1.4x |
| Chemistry | $88,634 | 1.4x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $84,199 | 1.3x |
| Civil Engineering | $82,584 | 1.3x |
| Economics | $81,504 | 1.3x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $81,078 | 1.3x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $79,142 | 1.3x |
| Engineering, Other(1yr data) | $75,253 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $73,280 | 1.2x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $72,627 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $67,761 | 1.1x |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences(1yr data) | $65,551 | 1.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $65,006 | 1.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $59,550 | 0.9x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $59,073 | 0.9x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $57,605 | 0.9x |
| Journalism | $55,306 | 0.9x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $50,604 | 0.8x |
| Sociology | $49,859 | 0.8x |
| Physics(1yr data) | $49,399 | 0.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $48,771 | 0.8x |
| Music | $45,222 | 0.7x |
| Human Services, General | $37,367 | 0.6x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $27,246 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 1.47x | $92,538 | Average ROI |
| Boston University | 1.28x | $83,238 | Average ROI |
| Boston College | 1.54x | $103,937 | Good ROI |
| Cornell University | 1.58x | $104,043 | Good ROI |
| Tufts University | 1.23x | $83,214 | Average ROI |
| Georgetown University | 1.59x | $103,494 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Northeastern University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $92,538 10 years after starting — $47,538 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.