Northeastern University vs Northwestern University

Comparison of Northeastern University and Northwestern University

Subject Strength

Both Northwestern and Northeastern are top private research universities in America, but their areas of academic excellence vary significantly. Northeastern is most renowned for its experiential learning model, especially its co-op program, and excels in the fields of STEM, international business, engineering, and healthcare studies. Northwestern, on the other hand, has a more comprehensive range of programs—management, journalism, law, engineering, communication, and music—and maintains consistently high academic ratings across these subjects.

Global and National Ranking

Northeastern is in the #396 range internationally based on QS World University Rankings 2025 and in the 201–250 category for THE World University Rankings. It is close to #53 nationally in U.S. News & World Report. Northwestern's position is much higher, around 50th in the world based on QS global rankings, with strong membership ties with the Association of American Universities and substantial endowment indicative of its research credibility.

General Information & Community Size

Northeastern is based in Boston and serves approximately 30,000 students, including nearly 12,000 international students. Northwestern, based close to Chicago in Evanston, serves approximately 22,800 students (some 8,800 undergraduates and 14,000 postgraduates). Both have diverse student populations and strong research portfolios but with Northeastern having a presence on many different campuses, whereas Northwestern has a more grouped but internationally networked campus system.

Acceptance Rate

Both Northeastern's and Northwestern’s acceptance rate is about 7%, which is fairly-selective. Northwestern will be more competitive, with acceptance rates generally below Northeastern's, although specific numbers can change annually.

Location & Career Opportunities

Northeastern takes advantage of Boston's higher education environment and its co-op system embeds actual work experience into academic offerings. Northwestern provides access to Chicago's media, financial, and law sectors, as well as strong international study and professional development support. Student perspective emphasizes:

"Northeastern has some of the finest study-away programs in the nation. Northwestern provides international students with financial aid, but NEU does not."

Tuition & Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition at Northeastern is approximately $62,000/year, with the cost of living added on. Northwestern's tuition and overall expense are similar but potentially more generous in need-based financial aid, particularly significant for international students.

Recruitment & Placements

Northeastern boasts a robust placement rate of nearly 97% within nine months of graduation, with initial salaries up to $70,000. Professional services, healthcare, and finance represent primary areas. At Northwestern, alumni receive the benefit of the university's reputation for journalism, engineering, and law, frequently finding highly competitive positions—particularly through initiatives such as the Kellogg School of Management and Pritzker School of Law.

Infrastructure & Campus Culture

Northeastern's Boston campus is inner-city and integrated, constructed to support its global experiential model. Northwestern's Evanston and Chicago campuses provide a mix of traditional collegiate architecture, cutting-edge academic facilities, and exposure to city resources. The two universities each possess a unique campus culture: Northeastern is focused on innovation and co-op learning; Northwestern is a balance of tradition with research, arts, and professional depth.