Northwestern University and Northeastern University are both prestigious private universities located in the United States. While they share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two schools.
Academics
Northwestern University
- Founded in 1851
- Located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago
- Enrolls approximately 8,800 students
- Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, journalism, law, medicine, and music
- Known for its strong research programs, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, and social sciences
- Consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report
Northeastern University
- Founded in 1898
- Located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts
- Enrolls approximately 21,500 students
- Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law
- Known for its experiential learning model, which incorporates internships and co-ops into the curriculum
- Consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report
Location
Northwestern University
- Evanston is a small city located on the shores of Lake Michigan
- It is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and restaurants
- The university is easily accessible by public transportation from Chicago
Northeastern University
- Boston is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture
- It is home to a number of world-renowned universities, museums, and hospitals
- The university is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues
Student Life
Northwestern University
- The university has a strong sense of community and offers a variety of student organizations and activities
- The campus is home to a number of athletic facilities, including a football stadium, a basketball arena, and a swimming pool
- Students also have access to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art and the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts
Northeastern University
- The university has a diverse student body and offers a variety of student organizations and activities
- The campus is home to a number of athletic facilities, including a basketball arena, a hockey rink, and a swimming pool
- Students also have access to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Cost
Northwestern University
- Tuition and fees: $57,225
- Room and board: $15,660
- Total cost of attendance: $72,885
Northeastern University
- Tuition and fees: $52,740
- Room and board: $16,910
- Total cost of attendance: $69,650
Which University is Right for You?
Northwestern University and Northeastern University are both excellent universities with a lot to offer students. The best way to decide which school is right for you is to visit both campuses and talk to current students and faculty.
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Your academic interests: What are you interested in studying? Both Northwestern University and Northeastern University offer a wide range of programs, but each school has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Your career goals: What do you want to do after you graduate? Both Northwestern University and Northeastern University have strong career services offices that can help you prepare for your future career.
- Your financial situation: How much can you afford to pay for college? Both Northwestern University and Northeastern University are private universities, which means that they are more expensive than public universities.
- Your personal preferences: What kind of environment do you want to live in? Northwestern University is located in a small city, while Northeastern University is located in a large city.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can make an informed decision about which university is right for you.
Notable Alumni
Northwestern University
- Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States
- Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State
- Stephen Colbert, comedian and television host
- Seth Meyers, comedian and television host
- John Krasinski, actor and director
Northeastern University
- Conan O’Brien, comedian and television host
- David Lynch, filmmaker
- John F. Kennedy Jr., journalist and lawyer
- Edward Snowden, whistleblower
- Mike Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City
Research Rankings
Northwestern University
- Ranked 10th in the world for research by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 13th in the world for research by the QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 15th in the world for research by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Northeastern University
- Ranked 60th in the world for research by the ARWU
- Ranked 71st in the world for research by the QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 80th in the world for research by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Acceptance Rates
Northwestern University
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- Average SAT score: 1520
- Average ACT score: 34
Northeastern University
- Acceptance rate: 21%
- Average SAT score: 1370
- Average ACT score: 31