Northeastern University vs Stevens Institute of Technology

Northeastern University vs Stevens Institute of Technology

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Northeastern and Stevens are reputed research universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Northeastern is ranked 384 globally, and Stevens is ranked 673. In Times Higher Education 2025, Northeastern is 201st, and Stevens is 401st. Northeastern does very well in Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences, frequently being in the top 100 worldwide for these disciplines. Stevens is very good in Engineering and Computer Science, with an emphasis on technology innovation, although its subject rankings tend to be lower, in the top 200–300 band.

General Information

Northeastern, established in 1898, is considerably larger at a total student enrollment of 38,760 compared to Stevens' 1,024. Northeastern's urban Boston campus accommodates a variety of programs, with 90 undergraduate and 91 graduate programs, focusing on cooperative education (co-op). Stevens, which was founded in 1870, has a smaller campus overlooking Manhattan, focusing on technology and innovation with 32 undergraduate and 48 graduate programs. Northeastern's size accommodates a wider academic range, whereas Stevens encourages an intimate, tech-savvy atmosphere.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions are very competitive at Northeastern and 48% acceptance at Stevens. Both institutions are test-optional and consider high school GPA, recommendations, and personal statements. Northeastern's low acceptance rate is due to its global reach and prestige of co-op program, whereas Stevens has students with excellent STEM backgrounds and a slightly higher yield rate.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both institutions are research-oriented, Northeastern being very high research activity and Stevens being high research activity. Research facilities at Northeastern consist of large-scale labs, collaboration with industry leaders, and a large library system dedicated to fields such as Engineering, Health Sciences, and Business. Stevens boasts high-level research output in the fields of Engineering and Computer Science, with facilities such as the Center for Complex Systems and an emphasis on innovation-led projects. Northeastern's larger graduate student body is responsible for more extensive research reach, whereas Stevens' smaller size ensures concentrated, high-grade research.

Cost & Financial Aid

Northeastern charges $62,000 tuition with room and board being $18,790, for an average net price of $34,770. Stevens charges $58,680 tuition with room and board costing $18,650, for an average net price of $43,665. Northeastern provides more generous financial aid, with an average of $46,558 per student for 73% of the students, whereas Stevens gives an average of $32,789 to 99% of the students. Both the universities offer need-based and merit-based aid and accommodate international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Stevens' graduates have a higher median starting salary of $85,200 over Northeastern's $69,500 a decade after graduation, which demonstrates strong performance in Engineering and Technology areas. Northeastern's co-op, with as much as 18 months of real-world experience, results in superior career placement, especially in Business, Engineering, and Health Professions, with flagship recruiters such as Amazon and Morgan Stanley. Stevens' graduate network is particularly strong in finance and technology with employers such as KPMG and Ericsson. Both institutions have excellent retention rates and close industry ties.