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College comparison
Northeastern vs UChicago
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 |  Northeastern Boston, MA |  UChicago Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Chicago is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1440–1540 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 17,326 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $30,915 | $14,860 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Northeastern reports higher median earnings | $92,538 | $91,885 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 96% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $15,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.4% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Northeastern vs UChicago: how they compare
Two urban universities, one with a focus on academic inquiry and the other on professional integration.
By the numbers Both are highly selective, with Chicago slightly more so (4% acceptance vs. 5%) and with a higher SAT 25-75th percentile range (1510–1580 vs. 1440–1540). Financially, Chicago offers a far lower average net price ($15k vs. $31k), which drives its long-term value of 6.2x earnings per dollar of net price versus Northeastern's 3.0x, despite nearly identical 10-year median earnings ($92k vs. $93k). Northeastern has a higher economic mobility rate (244% vs. 194%) and a more volatile admissions rate (284% volatility vs. 56%). Chicago shows institutional stability with a DOE financial health score of 3.0/3 and a higher graduation rate (96% vs. 91%), and it has a "future-scholar yield" of 12.
Where they overlap Both are rigorous, private institutions located in major cities, offering students the cultural and professional opportunities of urban life. They attract high-achieving students and provide pathways to strong career and graduate school outcomes.
How they differ The cultures are distinct. The University of Chicago is known for its intellectual and scholarly atmosphere. Northeastern’s culture is defined by its co-op-driven model of experiential learning, emphasizing professional immersion and a pragmatic approach to education.
Who each suits The University of Chicago suits a student focused on academic and theoretical exploration, with strong financial value. Northeastern suits a career-oriented student who wants to graduate with professional experience built through multiple co-ops, valuing professional integration and an innovative campus culture.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Northeastern University or University of Chicago harder to get into?
- University of Chicago is more selective: Northeastern University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Chicago's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University vs University of Chicago?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Northeastern University and 1510–1580 at University of Chicago. 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.