Northeastern vs. Brown

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University in Boston, MA with Brown University in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than Brown based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 11,956 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Brown University is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Brown University 6:1.

Northeastern vs. Brown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Brown? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brown University than Northeastern ($26,256 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brown University are 10.9% lower than at Northeastern University ($17,444 vs. $19,580).
• Brown University is 7.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $5,250 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at Brown than at Northeastern University (about $5,250 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Brown University (66% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brown University students is 21.8% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($61,392 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Brown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or Brown? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Brown and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brown University (1550) is 60 points higher than at Northeastern (1490).
• Incoming Northeastern students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Brown (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Brown University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Brown - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Brown Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brown students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Northeastern (3.91).
• Brown has a higher acceptance rate (5.4%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 65.2% at Brown.

Northeastern vs. Brown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Brown? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brown University's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Brown University earn a median of about $18,100 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,600 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brown University graduates have a $12,875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($15,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Brown graduates have an estimated $133 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($155 vs. $288).
• More Brown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.