Head-to-head · 2026
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Northern Essex Community College
Compare average net price ($25,171 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering; $6,046 at Northern Essex Community College), ROI score (12.86 vs 17.72), ten-year median earnings ($129,455 vs $42,862), and admissions context (25.2% at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering; Open / not reported at Northern Essex Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Northern Essex Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Northern Essex Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | Northern Essex Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.86 | 17.72 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $25,171 | $6,046 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $129,455 ✓ | $42,862 |
| Acceptance rate | 25.2% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% ✓ | 20.9% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 377 | 3,685 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1520 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering costs $19,125 more per year than Northern Essex Community College ($25,171 vs $6,046). Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates report $86,593 higher median earnings after ten years ($129,455 vs $42,862). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Essex Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.72 vs 12.86, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Northern Essex Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering reports 25.2% acceptance; Northern Essex Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Northern Essex Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Franklin W Olin College of Engineering or Northern Essex Community College the better value?
Northern Essex Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.72 vs 12.86), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Essex Community College is cheaper — average net price $6,046 per year vs $25,171 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. The annual difference of $19,125 adds up to about $76,500 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $129,455 vs $42,862 at Northern Essex Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $86,593.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering reports a A value grade; Northern Essex Community College reports A+.