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College comparison
Northeastern vs Michigan
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 |  Michigan Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNortheastern University is more selective | 5% | 16% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1440–1540 | 1360–1530 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 17,326 | 34,177 |
| Avg net price | $30,915 | $13,138 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Northeastern reports higher median earnings | $92,538 | $83,648 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 93% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $19,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.4% | 1.5% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Public |
Northeastern vs Michigan: how they compare
Two elite, urban universities offering Computer Science, with Northeastern presenting a high-cost, high-return private model and Michigan a high-value public one.
By the numbers QuantAdmit data shows a clear trade-off between cost and structure. Northeastern is highly selective (5% acceptance) with high-scoring admits (SAT 1440–1540). Its 10-year median earnings of $93k are strong, but at an average net price of $31k, yielding a value of 3.0x earnings per dollar. Its standout quantitative factor is exceptional economic mobility (244%) and high admit-rate volatility (284%). Its DOE financial health score is a perfect 3.0/3. Michigan is selective (16% acceptance) with a broader SAT range (1360–1530). Its 10-year earnings are $84k, but at a significantly lower average net price of $13k, creating a much higher value of 6.4x. Its economic mobility rate is 151%, with very low admit-rate volatility (54%). Graduation rates are virtually identical (91% vs. 93%).
Where they overlap Both are located in vibrant, walkable city settings—Boston and Ann Arbor—offering extensive urban amenities and robust campus safety services. Each is a strong destination for Computer Science, with solid academic reputations that lead to favorable graduate outcomes.
How they differ The cultures diverge sharply. Northeastern is described as individualistic and professionally focused, built around its immersive co-op program that integrates work experience directly into the curriculum. Campus life is less centered on traditional collegiate pillars like major sports or Greek life. Michigan offers a classic, spirited Big Ten experience with a strong sense of communal identity, prominent athletics, and a more traditional academic calendar, though it also provides deep research and career resources.
Who each suits Northeastern suits the driven, independent student who wants a professionally streamlined education, prefers to learn by doing in the workforce early, and values a modern, career-centric campus culture in a major city. Michigan is ideal for the student seeking a quintessential, well-rounded college experience with school spirit, a collaborative yet competitive academic environment, and the stronger financial value of the two, especially for those who thrive in a vibrant, tradition-rich community.
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor harder to get into?
- Northeastern University is more selective: Northeastern University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's is approximately 16% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Northeastern University and 1360–1530 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. 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.