Northeastern University
About Northeastern University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its cooperative education program, which alternates classroom study with professional work experience. Northeastern has strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and health sciences.
Founded
1898
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Students
32,447
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
5.2%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
90.5%
Above national average
Tuition
$66,162
Per year
Avg Net Price
$30,915
After financial aid
SAT Average
1497
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$92,538
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 5.2 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
With a 5.2% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1497, Northeastern University is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1497/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
90.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.9%
4-Year Grad
0%
6-Year Grad
91%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
70.2%
$/Student
$21.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 0% graduation rate is below average, but 96.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$66,162
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,580
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,641
After Financial Aid
$30,915
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$2,264
Receive Grants
12.3%
Take Loans
27.3%
Don't let the $66,162 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $30,915 after financial aid, a 53% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $2,264.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northeastern University fund their education.
While in School
12.3%
Get Grants
Free money
27.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$80,224
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 27.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $24,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northeastern University.
Gender
56.6%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,326
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
15,121
Graduates
18.5%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
0.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 18.5% are first-generation college students. 13.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
17,326
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Co-op program provides 18 months of paid work experience
- +Boston location with unmatched career access
- +Modern, urban campus in Huntington Avenue area
- +Global network of co-op employer partners
Cons
- -Co-op extends time to graduation to 5 years
- -Boston cost of living is high
- -Campus can feel corporate and career-focused
- -Less traditional college social experience
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northeastern University fields 9 varsity teams with 667 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Colonial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
667
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
45% / 55%
300
Men
367
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northeastern Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$92,538
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$75K
958 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$116K
558 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$80K
231 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$71K
169 grads
1yr Earnings
Engineering, Other
$75K
157 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$45K
137 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $78K six years out, climb to $66K by year eight, and reach $93K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northeastern University
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern University?▾
How much does Northeastern University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northeastern University?▾
How much do Northeastern University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.