Northeastern University (NU) vs. San Diego State University (SDSU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to Northeastern University (NU) or SDSU?“
Northeastern University (NU)
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Northeastern University (NU) and San Diego State University (SDSU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Northeastern University (NU) and San Diego State University (SDSU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Northeastern University (NU) and San Diego State University (SDSU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Northeastern University (NU) | San Diego State University (SDSU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $45,530 | $6,976 |
| Net Price | $28,869 | $13,475 |
| Average Financial Aid | $33,312 | $6,342 |
| Total Undergraduates | 13620 | 28649 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1340 - 1510 | 1010 - 1230 |
| Acceptance Rate | 28 | 34 |
| Location | 360 Huntington Ave | 5500 Campanile Dr |
| City Name | Boston | San Diego |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, San Diego State University (SDSU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Boston and San Diego. Northeastern University (NU) is in a New England and SDSU is in a Mountain - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Northeastern University (NU) or San Diego State University (SDSU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Northeastern University (NU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Northeastern University (NU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, San Diego State University (SDSU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do Northeastern University (NU) Dorms Compare to housing Options at SDSU?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Northeastern University (NU) charges for on-campus living, while SDSU charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
Northeastern University (NU) and SDSU student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Northeastern University (NU), % | SDSU,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 47.870000000000005 | 34.14 |
| Hispanic | 6.890000000000001 | 31.31 |
| Black | 3.6900000000000004 | 3.8699999999999997 |
| Foreign | 19.900000000000002 | 5.54 |
| Others | 21.6 | 25.1 |
How different is the Northeastern University (NU) campus compared to San Diego State University (SDSU) campus?
The Northeastern University (NU) campus is located in Boston, MA and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more). The SDSU campus is located in San Diego, CA and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Northeastern University (NU) provides $33,312 whereas SDSU provides an average of $6,342.
How does Northeastern University (NU) academics compare to SDSU?
When analyzing academics between Northeastern University (NU) and San Diego State University (SDSU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | Northeastern University (NU) | SDSU |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 42 | 66 |
| Architecture and related services | 72 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 1 | 43 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 214 | 475 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 178 | 108 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | 1 | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 579 | 499 |
| Education | N/A | 140 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | 13 |
Which is better: Northeastern University (NU) or San Diego State University (SDSU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Northeastern University (NU) and SDSU. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
%20vs.%20SDSU%202025&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.campusreel.org%2Fcompare-colleges%2Fnortheastern-university-or-san-diego-state-university&auid=4ce09557-8d1a-47c4-8420-3ec1ead1ad6e)
How does Northeastern University (NU) social life compare to SDSU?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how Northeastern University (NU) social life differs from SDSU.
Check here.
Check here.