New York University (NYU) vs Northeastern

New York University and Northeastern University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. NYU, located in the heart of New York City, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while Northeastern, situated in Boston, emphasizes experiential learning through its renowned co-op program. With acceptance rates of 16% and 23%, respectively, these universities attract highly qualified applicants. NYU's popular majors include Economics, Psychology, and Computer Science, while Northeastern's strengths lie in Business, Engineering, and Computer Science. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including student demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision.

	New York University	Northeastern University
Overview
Location	New York, New York	Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	13.0%	18.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $110	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1450 - 1570	1430 - 1550
ACT range	32 - 35	33 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	23.0%	28.0%
Students submitting ACT score	9.0%	14.0%
Total number of applicants	95,517	75,244
Total number of admissions given out	12,380	13,829
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,097	4,504
Yield rate	49.2%	32.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,746	$78,202
Average net price	$50,991	$38,927
Tuition	$53,770	$56,500
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $14,232 Meal plan: $5,450	Room/dormitory: $9,900 Meal plan: $7,910
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	75.0% Average amount $25,047	80.0% Average amount $36,308
Students receiving federal student loan	25.0% Average amount $5,094	44.0% Average amount $5,154
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $37,948	5.0% Average amount $28,495

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	28,772 Men 41.8% Women 58.2%	15,747 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	29,454 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%	12,420 Men 52.1% Women 47.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	67.6%	N/A
International students	30.2%	34.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	13,063	10,481
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York California New Jersey Texas Florida	New York New Jersey Connecticut California Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts	Engineering Computer and Information Science Health Professions Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	8:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	86.9%	90.6%
Dropout rate	6.5%	5.1%
Transferred out	5.9%	3.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $189,685 Year 2: $174,714 Year 3: $209,134 Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $178,151 Year 3: $180,551 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $148,198 Year 2: $145,543 Year 3: $162,625 Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $161,093 Year 2: $137,921 Year 3: $158,306 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,979 Year 2: $111,769 Year 3: $135,122 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,668 Year 2: $112,328 Year 3: $125,640 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $119,483 Year 2: $111,833 Year 3: $121,619 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,871 Year 2: $104,597 Year 3: $117,508 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $72,198 Year 2: $81,886 Year 3: $113,230 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,653 Year 2: $79,957 Year 3: $104,670	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,157 Year 2: $102,123 Year 3: $124,358 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,863 Year 2: $100,518 Year 3: $122,957 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,631 Year 2: $110,878 Year 3: $121,357 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,065 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $110,392 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $95,288 Year 2: $89,413 Year 3: $108,000 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $104,196 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,801 Year 2: $89,415 Year 3: $103,529 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,777 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $102,904 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $88,529 Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $99,566 Biotechnology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,825 Year 2: $80,556 Year 3: $98,428

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between NYU and Northeastern?

NYU is a large, private research university located in the heart of New York City, known for its strong arts, humanities, and professional programs. Northeastern, located in Boston, is a private research university distinguished by its emphasis on experiential learning through its renowned co-op program, integrating classroom study with professional work experiences.
Which university is located in a more urban setting?

Both universities are located in very urban settings. NYU is deeply embedded within New York City, with academic buildings spread throughout several neighborhoods in Manhattan. Northeastern is located in Boston, offering a traditional campus feel within a vibrant city environment.
How do NYU and Northeastern differ in their approach to experiential learning?

Northeastern's defining feature is its co-op program, which allows students to alternate semesters of academic study with full-time professional employment. NYU offers experiential learning opportunities through internships, research, study abroad, and volunteer work, but it is not as structured or required as Northeastern's co-op program.
Which university is generally considered more prestigious?

Prestige is subjective, but generally, NYU is often perceived as slightly more prestigious overall, particularly in certain fields like the arts, film, and business. However, Northeastern's reputation is rapidly rising, especially in areas like engineering, computer science, and health sciences, due to its strong co-op program and research output.
How do the costs of attending NYU and Northeastern compare?

Both NYU and Northeastern have similar high costs of attendance. Tuition, fees, and living expenses are substantial at both institutions. It's important to research specific program costs and available financial aid packages at each university to determine the most affordable option for your individual circumstances. Northeastern's co-op program can help offset some costs through earnings during work semesters.
What are the strengths of NYU's academic programs?

NYU excels in a wide range of fields, including the arts (film, drama, music), business (Stern School of Business), law, medicine, and humanities. Its location in New York City provides unparalleled access to industry professionals and cultural institutions.
What are the strengths of Northeastern's academic programs?

Northeastern is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, health sciences, business, and law. Its emphasis on experiential learning through the co-op program gives students a significant advantage in the job market after graduation.
How do the student bodies at NYU and Northeastern differ?

Both universities attract a diverse student body from around the world. NYU's student body is generally larger and more dispersed throughout the city. Northeastern's student body is also diverse but tends to be more concentrated on and around the campus area.
What is campus life like at NYU compared to Northeastern?

NYU's campus life is integrated into the fabric of New York City. Students live and study in various locations throughout Manhattan, offering a unique urban experience. Northeastern has a more traditional campus feel, with a central quad, dormitories, and student activity centers, fostering a stronger sense of community on campus.
Which university is better for students who want to work during college?

Northeastern is the clear choice for students who prioritize working during college. Its co-op program is specifically designed to integrate paid work experience into the academic curriculum. While NYU students can pursue internships and part-time jobs, it's not a structured or required component of their education.
How do NYU and Northeastern compare in terms of research opportunities?

Both NYU and Northeastern are research universities with ample opportunities for students to get involved in research projects. NYU has a larger overall research budget and a wider range of research areas due to its size. Northeastern is rapidly expanding its research capabilities, particularly in areas related to health, security, and sustainability.
What are the graduation rates like at NYU and Northeastern?

Both NYU and Northeastern have strong graduation rates. Northeastern generally has a slightly higher graduation rate, likely due to the career focus and support provided by the co-op program. Both universities are committed to student success and provide resources to help students graduate on time.
Which school is better for international students?

Both NYU and Northeastern are excellent choices for international students, offering robust support services and diverse international communities. NYU's global network of campuses and study abroad programs may appeal to students seeking international experiences beyond the main campus. Northeastern's co-op program can provide valuable work experience in the US for international students.
How do the career services at NYU and Northeastern compare?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Northeastern's co-op program provides a significant advantage in terms of career preparation and job placement. NYU's location in New York City provides access to a vast network of employers and industry professionals.

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