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Northeastern University and Boston College are both private nonprofit institutions — Northeastern University in Boston, MA and Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Boston, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 5.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 17,326
Tuition: $66,162/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 90.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Computer science, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Boston, MA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Computer science.
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 16.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,085
Tuition: $70,702/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 90.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Chestnut Hill, MA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | Northeastern University | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 16.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1440–1540 |
| 1440–1540 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,326 | 10,085 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $66,162/year | $70,702/year |
| Average net price after aid | $30,915 | $41,704 |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 90.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $92,538 | $103,937 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Boston, MA | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Computer science, Engineering | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences |
Northeastern University is more selective (5.2% vs 16.4% acceptance rate). Northeastern University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($30,915 vs $41,704). Both report a similar graduation rate (90.5%). Northeastern University is the larger undergraduate campus (17,326 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Northeastern University vs Harvard University
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Northeastern University vs Tufts University
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Common questions when choosing between Northeastern University and Boston College
Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5.2%; Boston College is around 16.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Northeastern University tuition is $66,162/year. Boston College is $70,702/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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