Northeastern vs. Saint Joseph's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University in Boston, MA with Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than Saint Joseph's University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 7,159 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 11:1.

Northeastern vs. Saint Joseph's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia than Northeastern ($31,205 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia are 17.1% lower than at Northeastern University ($16,240 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 24.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Joseph's University (about $12,902 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $53,260.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.2% higher at Northeastern than at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia (about $12,902 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $53,260.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia than at Northeastern University (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 36.4% larger than aid received by Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia students ($50,421 vs. $36,964).

Northeastern vs. Saint Joseph's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 230 points higher than at Saint Joseph's University (1260).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Saint Joseph's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 1170/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Saint Joseph's University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Saint Joseph's University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Saint Joseph's University (3.65).
• Saint Joseph's University has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 14.1% at Saint Joseph's University.

Northeastern vs. Saint Joseph's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia's (76%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Saint Joseph's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $64,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia graduates have a $4,867 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($23,008 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Saint Joseph's University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($237 vs. $288).
• More Northeastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Joseph's University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 78%)

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.