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College comparison
Cornell 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 |  Cornell Ithaca, NY |  Northeastern Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNortheastern University is more selective | 9% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1440–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 15,995 | 17,326 |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $30,915 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Cornell reports higher median earnings | $104,043 | $92,538 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 91% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $24,250 |
| Economic mobility | 2.9% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Cornell vs Northeastern: how they compare
For a data-driven family weighing two prestigious but distinct urban universities, the choice hinges on long-term return versus experiential learning and stability.
By the numbers Cornell offers stronger long-term financial value and outcomes: its 10-year median earnings are $104k vs. Northeastern's $93k, and it delivers 3.6x earnings per dollar of net price (avg. price $29k) compared to Northeastern's 3.0x (avg. price $31k). Cornell also shows greater economic mobility (291% vs. 244%) and higher graduation rates (95% vs. 91%). While Northeastern is currently more selective (5% acceptance vs. 9%), its admit-rate volatility is extreme (284% vs. Cornell's 39%), indicating fluctuating selectivity year-to-year. Northeastern, however, has a perfect DOE financial health score (3.0/3) versus Cornell's strong 2.7/3. Cornell's academic pipeline is stronger, with a future-scholar yield of 9 (S&E PhDs per 100 graduates).
Where they overlap Both are intensive, career-focused universities set in city environments (Ithaca and Boston) with robust campus safety services. They attract high-achieving, globally diverse students and provide strong professional preparation.
How they differ Culturally, they are opposites. Cornell is a classic Ivy League school with a sprawling, picturesque campus known for its intense academic rigor and storied traditions. Northeastern’s identity is modern and professionally oriented, built around its signature co-op program that deeply integrates multiple work experiences into the undergraduate curriculum, creating a rhythm distinct from a traditional semester schedule.
Quick answers
- Is Cornell University or Northeastern University harder to get into?
- Northeastern University is more selective: Cornell University's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Northeastern University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University vs Northeastern University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Cornell 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.