Northeastern University vs University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Northeastern University vs University of Massachusetts – Amherst

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Northeastern University ranks #384 in QS and 201-250^th in Times Higher Education globally, with excellent subject positions in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences. Northeastern is especially famous for its co-op program, which combines work experience with study. UMass Amherst, being the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system, ranks #247 in QS and 84^th in Times Higher Education internationally. It is particularly strong in Engineering, Computer Science, Business (Isenberg School), and Agriculture/Environmental Sciences. Northeastern tends to edge slightly ahead in international rankings, but UMass Amherst boasts an established academic reputation within the U.S. public university system.

General Information

Northeastern, founded in 1898 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a private research university with approximately 28,000 students, including a large international community. Its urban campus is closely meshed with Boston's industries and businesses, making it perfect for work-study integration. UMass Amherst, established in 1863, is a public land-grant research university with more than 32,000 students, situated in a classic college-town environment in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is a member of the Five College Consortium, which enables cross-registration with nearby institutions such as Amherst College and Smith College.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Northeastern is very selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 6%, which places it among the most competitive private schools in the U.S. High GPAs, standardized test scores (not required in most cases), and interest in experiential learning are top priorities. UMass Amherst is moderately selective, with a 58% acceptance rate, although competitive programs (Engineering, Computer Science, Business) have much lower admission rates. Northeastern is more difficult to be admitted to, whereas UMass Amherst has strong access for in-state and out-of-state students alike.

Research Impact & Facilities

Northeastern boasts increasing R1 research credentials in data science, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and health sciences, with collaborations throughout Boston's medical and tech ecosystem. UMass Amherst, similarly an R1 research university, boasts a longer-established reputation for STEM, agriculture, public health, and environmental sciences, with federal research funding and large-scale labs. Both possess excellent facilities, but Northeastern relies on industry-related research and innovation centers, while UMass Amherst fosters public research missions and interdisciplinary institutes.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition at Northeastern is expensive, coming in at roughly $63,000 annually, excluding cost of living. It does have merit scholarships and need-based grants, though most aid is partial. Tuition at UMass Amherst is more affordable, particularly for Massachusetts residents, with rates at about $17,000 (in-state) and $39,000 (out-of-state) annually. Both institutions have financial aid available, though UMass Amherst is typically the less expensive one to attend, particularly for residents of Massachusetts.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Northeastern's distinctive co-op program provides students with 18 months of full-time experience prior to graduation, resulting in excellent employability in tech, finance, healthcare, and consulting. Its alumni are well-networked worldwide, especially Boston, New York, and Silicon Valley. UMass Amherst alumni succeed in engineering, public service, education, and business, with high regional placement in Massachusetts and New England. Northeastern's alumni tend to have a future advantage in terms of direct employment outcomes and international opportunities, while UMass Amherst graduates provide excellent long-term value and accepted public university credentials.