Northeastern University is not inherently more expensive than Harvard University when comparing their headline sticker prices, as both elite private institutions feature very similar gross costs of attendance that exceed 80,000 to 90,000 dollars annually when factoring in tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. However, both universities maintain massive endowment funds and robust financial aid programs designed to meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Consequently, for families qualifying for financial assistance, the net out-of-pocket cost to attend either institution can be substantially reduced through institutional grants.