About

About Northeastern University

co-op programsstem focusedexperiential learning

Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, MA, known for its co-op programs, stem focused, and experiential learning. With an acceptance rate of 7%, NU is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 2,519 students each year. NU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1460–1530, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. NU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; the average net price for families earning under $30,000 is $2,264.

Admissions

Northeastern University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

7%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1495
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 4.00 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1460 – 1530 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 33 – 35

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ED advantage at Northeastern University: ED acceptance rate is 39% vs 7% regular decision, more than double. If Northeastern Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northeastern University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Northeastern's co-op program is central to its identity, so your essays and activities list should tell a clear story about how you plan to use alternating work and study cycles to reach a specific career goal. Vague interest in co-op will not stand out; name the industries or employers that connect to your plans.
Application Strategy
Apply to a specific Northeastern college or combined program, such as the Khoury College of Computer Sciences or the combined engineering and business program, rather than undecided, because admissions officers want to see that you understand how Northeastern's structure fits your goals.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Northeastern University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Meets 100% of demonstrated need: Northeastern University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Northeastern University's sticker price of ~$78k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$78k/yr$2.3k
30k-48k~$78k/yr$2.4k
48k-75k~$78k/yr$5.3k
75k-110k~$78k/yr$16.2k
110k+~$78k/yr$47.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

90%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$78k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
20,907
Undergrad Enrollment
Northeastern University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch