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College comparison
Brown vs Northeastern
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Brown Providence, RI |  Northeastern Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNortheastern University is more selective | 5% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1440–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,226 | 17,326 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $30,915 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Brown reports higher median earnings | $93,487 | $92,538 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 91% |
| Median debt | $11,428 | $24,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Brown vs Northeastern: how they compare
Two highly selective urban universities offering distinct educational philosophies and student experiences.
By the numbers Both share a 5% acceptance rate, but Brown's admitted student SAT middle 50% (1510–1580) is slightly higher than Northeastern's (1440–1540). Post-graduate financial outcomes are identical, with a 10-year median earnings of $93k for both. However, Brown delivers greater financial value per dollar spent, with a 3.7× earnings-to-net-price multiplier versus Northeastern's 3.0×, partly due to Brown's lower average net price ($25k vs. $31k). For economic mobility—lifting students from lower-income backgrounds into higher earnings quintiles—Northeastern's rate (244%) significantly outpaces Brown's (155%). Northeastern also shows extreme year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (284% volatility vs. Brown's 48%). Both schools have perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial health scores, and Brown's 96% graduation rate exceeds Northeastern's 91%.
Where they overlap Both are located in vibrant city settings (Providence and Boston) with diverse and international student bodies. They are comparably selective and financially robust institutions.
How they differ The core divergence is in educational model and campus rhythm. Brown is an Ivy League liberal arts university, known for its open curriculum that fosters intellectual exploration. Northeastern has a pre-professional focus, built around its signature co-op program, which creates a cyclical campus atmosphere as students rotate between academic semesters and full-time work placements.
Who each suits Brown suits the intellectually curious, independent student who thrives in a less structured environment and values scholarly engagement. Northeastern suits the career-oriented student who wants to graduate with extensive work experience and prefers an education integrated with the professional world.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Brown University or Northeastern University harder to get into?
- Northeastern University is more selective: Brown University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and Northeastern University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Brown University vs Northeastern University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1440–1540 at Northeastern University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.