Brown University vs Northeastern University

Brown University is the more selective of the two at 5%, versus 5% at Northeastern University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Brown University
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Rhode Island
Northeastern University
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1530
Private · Massachusetts

Brown University vs Northeastern University: the differences that matter

How Brown University and Northeastern University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Brown University and Northeastern University are almost equally selective (5% vs 5%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Brown University leans more on class rank, standardized test scores, application essay, while Northeastern University puts more weight on alumni / legacy relation, volunteer work, level of applicant interest. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Brown University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560 and Northeastern University's is around 1530. Admitted students at Brown University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorBrown UniversityNortheastern University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantconsidered
Standardized test scoresvery importantimportant
Application essayvery importantimportant
Recommendationsvery importantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantimportant
Talent / abilityvery importantimportant
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Brown University or Northeastern University harder to get into?

Brown University is harder to get into, with a 5% acceptance rate versus 5% at Northeastern University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Brown University and Northeastern University?

Brown University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560, and Northeastern University's is around 1530.

What are my chances at Brown University and Northeastern University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.