Northeastern vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Northeastern vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Caldwell University? 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 Caldwell University than Northeastern ($21,875 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 27.5% lower than at Northeastern University ($14,188 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 62% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $25,314 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62% higher at Northeastern than at Caldwell University (about $25,314 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Northeastern University (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 55.9% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($50,421 vs. $32,340).

Northeastern vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or Caldwell University? 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 Caldwell University and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 240 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Northeastern vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Caldwell University? 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).

• Northeastern University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $22,700 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $2,125 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($266 vs. $288).
• More Northeastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 50%)

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.