Northeastern vs Baylor

Northeastern University and Baylor University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Northeastern, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, is known for its rigorous academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and global reach. In contrast, Baylor, situated in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university that emphasizes faith-based education, community service, and leadership development. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations, personal values, and future career goals.
Baylor University logo

Baylor University

Northeastern University logo

Northeastern University

Overview

Location Waco, Texas Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting City: Midsize 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 88.0% 97.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Baptist

Admission

Acceptance rate 56.7% 18.4%
Application fees $50
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1160 - 1350 1430 - 1550
ACT range 25 - 32 33 - 35
Students submitting SAT score 39.0% 28.0%
Students submitting ACT score 31.0% 14.0%
Total number of applicants 36,588 75,244
Total number of admissions given out 20,741 13,829
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,271 4,504
Yield rate 20.6% 32.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $68,150 $78,202
Average net price $46,039 $38,927
Tuition $50,232 $56,500
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,200

Meal plan: $6,074
Room/dormitory: $9,900

Meal plan: $7,910
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

96.0%
Average amount $21,460
80.0%
Average amount $36,308
Students receiving federal student loan 38.0%
Average amount $5,411
44.0%
Average amount $5,154
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $26,787
5.0%
Average amount $28,495

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 15,191
Men 39.8% Women 60.2%
15,747
Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students 5,435
Men 34.4% Women 65.6%
12,420
Men 52.1% Women 47.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 43.4% N/A
International students 4.2% 34.0%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 5,321 10,481
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California Colorado Illinois Washington New York New Jersey Connecticut California Texas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Legal Profession
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 81.6% 90.6%
Dropout rate 18.2% 5.1%
Transferred out N/A 3.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,204
  • Year 2: $96,457
  • Year 3: $109,058
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $100,127
  • Year 3: $100,370
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,388
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $98,739
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,072
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,393
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,702
  • Year 2: $75,047
  • Year 3: $82,751
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,793
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $82,525
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,614
  • Year 2: $65,320
  • Year 3: $82,203
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,012
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $75,979
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,433
  • Year 2: $63,522
  • Year 3: $74,962
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,921
  • Year 2: $66,897
  • Year 3: $74,883
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 key differences in location between Northeastern University and Baylor University?

    Northeastern University is located in Boston, Massachusetts, a major metropolitan city with a rich history, diverse culture, and access to numerous industries. Baylor University is situated in Waco, Texas, a smaller city with a more traditional Southern atmosphere and a strong focus on its campus community.

  • How do the academic programs at Northeastern and Baylor compare?

    Northeastern University is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through its co-op program, which provides students with extensive work experience. Baylor University offers a broad range of programs with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a growing research presence. Both universities have well-regarded programs, but Northeastern's co-op program is a significant differentiator.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Northeastern University versus Baylor University?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies between the two universities. Generally, both are considered expensive private institutions. However, the specific costs can fluctuate. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fee information on each university's official website for the most accurate comparison.

  • How does the student life experience differ at Northeastern and Baylor?

    Northeastern offers a vibrant student life experience in a bustling city, with access to a wide array of cultural events, internships, and social opportunities. Baylor provides a close-knit campus community with a strong emphasis on traditions, faith-based activities, and a more traditional college experience centered around campus events and athletics.

  • What are the strengths of Northeastern University?

    Northeastern University's strengths include its renowned co-op program, its location in a major city with abundant career opportunities, its diverse student body, and its strong programs in fields like engineering, computer science, and business.

  • What are the strengths of Baylor University?

    Baylor University excels in its strong sense of community, its commitment to undergraduate education, its beautiful campus, its faith-based environment, and its growing research opportunities. It also has a strong athletic program, particularly in football and basketball.

  • How does the acceptance rate compare between Northeastern and Baylor?

    Northeastern University generally has a more selective admissions process than Baylor University. Acceptance rates fluctuate year to year, but Northeastern typically has a lower acceptance rate, reflecting its competitive applicant pool.

  • What are the career services like at Northeastern and Baylor?

    Northeastern University's career services are heavily integrated with its co-op program, providing students with extensive support in finding internships and full-time employment. Baylor University also offers career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs, but the emphasis is less on a mandatory experiential learning component.

  • What are the housing options like at Northeastern and Baylor?

    Both universities offer on-campus housing options. Northeastern has a variety of residence halls, often with a more urban feel. Baylor has a more traditional campus housing experience, with a focus on community and residential life programs. Both universities also offer off-campus housing options for students.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in research?

    Both universities offer research opportunities. Northeastern has a strong research presence, particularly in STEM fields, and encourages undergraduate research. Baylor is also increasing its research focus and offers opportunities for undergraduate involvement. The best choice depends on the specific field of study and the type of research experience a student is seeking.

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