Northeastern University is a highly respected private research university in Boston, Massachusetts in the Boston metropolitan area. It's a big school with 16,302 undergraduate students. The admissions are extremely competitive, with Northeastern University acceptance rate being around 6%. The majors offered here are Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Health Professions. The six-year graduation rate is 91%, and the Northeastern University graduates have a median starting salary of around INR 74,40,000 (ten years post-graduation, based on $89,600 median earnings).
Tufts University is a well-reputed private research university in Medford, Massachusetts in the Greater Boston region. It is a mid-sized university with an undergraduate population of 6,732 students. The admissions are highly competitive, as Tufts University acceptance rate is approximately 10.1%. Popular majors include International Relations, Biology, Psychology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is 94%, and Tufts University alumni still maintain a median starting salary of around INR 73,71,000 (equivalent to $88,900 median income ten years after graduation).
| Northeastern University | Tufts University | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 384 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 189 Times Higher Education 2026 # 334 QS World University 2026 # 179 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 34 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 389 for Medicine by QS World University 2024 # 68 for Law by US News 2025 | # 69 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 112 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 351 for Law by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -90 PG Programs -92 | UG Programs -45 PG Programs -42 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5.6 % | 9.7 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-105 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 TOEFL-79 | Duolingo-130 GMAT-680 IELTS-7 PTE-68 SAT-1440 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 19700 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 48000 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 21000 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 54724.19 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 50955.30 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 19566 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate employability rankings: #201-250
Some of the top recruiters are Amazon, iRobot, Morgan Stanley, EY, Bose, Blackstone group, Wellington Management etc | Some of the programs and the average salary are:
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| application requirements | LOR- 2 or 3 letters of recommendation, SOP- yes, GPA- 3.5 (89% or more). | Letter of recommendation from a junior year and senior year teacher. Extracurricular activities record, art portfolio are required (15-20) for admission in art school. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 51 reviews | 7.8/10 Read 4 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 27 for Computer Science by US News 2025 # 100 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 197 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 | # 61 for Computer Science by US News 2025 # 401 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 651 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7.5/9TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -53970 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline for Spring 2026 Intake) May 1, 2026 (Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) | Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Oct 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Northeastern University | Tufts University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1898 | 1852 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 10:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 44% Male, 0% Female | 1% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | The campus is located near to Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall. It is situated in the heart of Boston and is filled with greenery. Northeastern University lies in the neighborhood of Huntington Avenue. | 4 campuses: Boston Health Sciences Campus, Boston Fenway Campus; Medford/Somerville Campus (main campus), Grafton Campus. The main campus is 5 miles from Boston, the others are also known as uphill and downhill campuses. |
| Library | More than 50,000 printed books, 861,676 ebooks, 100,887 licenced e-journals, and 116,739 streaming audio and visual titles.The professional research available is accessible to public (open). | 6 libraries on 3 campuses; Books available from 19 academic areas; Over 38,000 electronic journals and databases; Digital collections available at Tufts Digital Collections & Archives. |
| Campus Life | 32 intramural sports, 18 varsity sports, and 43 club sports. Additionally, campus offers Fall Fest, Afro Flow Yoga workshop, Field hockey, volleyball, soccer games, Night at the student center, and First pages. | Over 300 student-run clubs and organizations; 25 cultural clubs; Debate and mock trials; Political groups; Publications such as Tufts Daily, Tufts Observer, and Traveler Magazine. Each year around 180 performances for music & arts take place on-campus each year. 21 sports clubs that compete in 28 varsity sports. |
| Hostel | #Housing Allowance - $16200 | #Housing - $10660 |
| Famous Alumni | Shawn Fanning (Computer programmer), Wendy Williams (TV host), Reggie Lewis (basketball player), Jane Curtin (actress), James Franklin Jeffrey (American Diplomat), Jeff Clarke (Executive Chairman of FTD), Albert Sacco (Dean Whitacre College of Engineering), Yale Patt (professor), Mo Cowan (former US Senator). | Mulatu Teshome Wirtu (President of Ethiopia); Dan Crenshaw (former Navy SEAL); Pierre Omidyar (founder of eBay); Jamie Dimon (CEO of JPMorgan Chase); Jeff Kindler (former CEO of Pfizer); David Faber (anchor at CNBC), David Faber (journalist), Shashi Tharoor (MP Lok Sabha), Oliver Platt (actor), etc. |
| City Life | With a huge student community, the population diversity is vast and lies within the same braoder age group. The city offers a great nightlif with gastropubs, live music, and cocktail bars. Boston’s cosmopolitan excitement is bus-ride away. Average salaries offered within the state are up to 97,5000 USD | Located in Medford, Massachusetts is one of the 13 original states of USA; 7th smallest state in terms of the total area. Medford is located northwest of downtown Boston on Mystic river. Some of the attractions are Isaac Royall House museum, Grandfather’s house, Grace Church, Gravity Research Foundation, etc. The unemployment rate (Sept 2022) 4.4%. |
| Weather |
Northeastern University vs Tufts University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both Northeastern and Tufts are good U.S. universities, but they hold marginally different positions internationally. Tufts ranks #334 in QS and 179th in Times Higher Education, whereas Northeastern ranks #384 and 201-250th in Times Higher Education with its international rise in research reputation and innovation. Times Higher Education metrics will tend to prefer Tufts for its teaching quality and academic reputation, whereas Northeastern is often known for research collaborations, social impact, and international outlook. In subject areas, Northeastern excels in engineering, computer science, business, and health sciences, supported by its leading co-op program and industry relationships. Tufts is strongest in international relations, social sciences, arts & humanities, medicine, and law, with The Fletcher School and Tufts Medical School being among the best in the world.
General Information
Northeastern, in Boston, is a private research university of considerable size with a reputation for its co-op (cooperative education) system, which combines professional experience with academic study. It enrolls more than 20,000 students and a diverse array of graduate and professional programs. Tufts, in Medford/Somerville (just beyond Boston), is smaller and more intimate in student population, at about 12,000. Tufts strikes a balance between liberal arts core and specialized strengths in international affairs, dental and medical education, and civic engagement.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The schools' admissions processes are selective. Northeastern has been very competitive over the past few years, with an acceptance rate of about 6%. Tufts is also very selective, usually admitting around 10.1% of applicants. Northeastern is attractive to students seeking hands-on, career-based education with mobility worldwide, whereas Tufts is attractive to students who are interested in global citizenship, liberal arts, and professional health sciences.
Research Impact & Facilities
Northeastern focuses on applied research and industrial partnerships, with excellent facilities in robotics, data science, and health sciences. Its corporate partnerships and global campuses (such as those in Canada and the UK) expand its research and professional reach. Tufts has world-class facilities such as the Tufts Medical Center and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and excellent interdisciplinary research centers in public policy, health, and environmental studies.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are private schools with higher tuition rates over $60,000 annually. Northeastern's is slightly higher by location and professional programs, yet it has strong financial aid, merit scholarships, and co-op experiences that can frequently cover costs through paid work. Tufts has high levels of generous need-based aid and limited merit awards, with strong commitments to full demonstrated need for admitted students, including international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Northeastern alums take advantage of its signature co-op program, gaining professional experience and networking early in their undergraduate years, for excellent results in technology, business, and health sciences. Tufts graduates achieve success globally in policy, international relations, medicine, and law, with a powerful network in governments and NGOs. Whereas Northeastern is frequently stereotyped as the career-oriented option, Tufts is known for leadership in civic engagement, public service, and inter-disciplinary professional achievement.
