Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts · Private Nonprofit · 5.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 91/100 · Exceptional Value
Northeastern University
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $66,162/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $66,162/yr |
| Average net price | $30,915/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $123,660 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,538 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $57,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $257 |
| Estimated payback period | 4.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 90.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,326 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,264 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,436 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,301 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,241 |
| $110,001+ | $47,696 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Northeastern University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $113,620 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $163,708 | A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $103,384 | B+ |
| Economics | $101,423 | B+ |
| Engineering, Other | $112,019 | B+ |
| Biology | $78,327 | C |
| Computer Engineering | $135,416 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $80,191 | C+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $80,233 | C |
| Chemical Engineering | $107,767 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Northeastern University is $66,162/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $30,915/year, or roughly $123,660 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $2,264/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $47,696/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $24,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $257 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $92,538 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.42 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 83.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 86.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 83.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 85.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 730-780 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 710-760 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 33-35 |
| Enrollment | 17,326 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 12.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $16,218 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University (this school) | 91 | $30,915 | $92,538 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 97 | $28,699 | $111,371 |
| Cornell University | 96 | $28,690 | $104,043 |
| University of Southern California | 91 | $32,740 | $92,498 |
| Amherst College | 90 | $23,367 | $77,644 |
| American International College | 38 | $23,274 | $53,124 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Northeastern University is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $123,660 and median graduate earnings of $92,538 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 4.6 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 90.5% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $24,250 is very manageable against $92,538 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.