Northeastern University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute: which has better ROI?
Northeastern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $123,660 in 2.8 years versus 3.1 years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $103,470 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northeastern University | Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $30,915 | $43,071 |
| Total net cost | $123,660 | $172,284 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $92,538 | $103,470 |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 2.8 yrs | 3.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $759,900 | $929,916 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Northeastern University, at $30,915 a year after aid versus $43,071 — a gap of $12,156 a year, or $48,624 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northeastern University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates report a median $103,470 ten years after entry, $10,932 more than the $92,538 at Northeastern University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Northeastern University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Northeastern University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Northeastern University, against 90% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.