About Northeastern University
Northeastern University pioneered the cooperative education model that now defines its identity. The university enrolls 15,719 students in downtown Boston, where co-op programs send students into real-world jobs for six-month rotations. This research university has produced notable graduates like Napster founder Shawn Fanning and Dell Technologies CEO Jeff Clarke. Students alternate between classroom learning and professional experience throughout their undergraduate years.
The sticker price of $63,141 for tuition looks steep, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,900 after aid. Even middle-income families see significant breaks, with those earning $75,000-$110,000 paying around $20,109. Graduates earn a median of $92,538 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,250 manageable. The co-op earnings help offset college costs while students are enrolled.
Getting in requires serious academic credentials, with only 6.8% of applicants accepted and average SAT scores of 1495. The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with just 20.5% from Massachusetts. Nearly 98% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and 90% graduate within six years. The Huskies compete in Division I athletics across 16 sports.
The sticker price of $63,141 for tuition looks steep, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,900 after aid. Even middle-income families see significant breaks, with those earning $75,000-$110,000 paying around $20,109. Graduates earn a median of $92,538 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,250 manageable. The co-op earnings help offset college costs while students are enrolled.
Getting in requires serious academic credentials, with only 6.8% of applicants accepted and average SAT scores of 1495. The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with just 20.5% from Massachusetts. Nearly 98% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and 90% graduate within six years. The Huskies compete in Division I athletics across 16 sports.
Academics & Faculty
Northeastern operates as a research university famous for its cooperative education program, which alternates classroom learning with paid professional work experience. Students typically complete multiple six-month co-ops before graduation, giving them real-world experience in their field. The university particularly excels in engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences programs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive solid academic support throughout their studies. The school's 90.4% six-year graduation rate reflects strong student success, while the co-op program helps explain why graduates earn a median salary of $92,538 ten years after graduation. Nearly 98% of students return for their sophomore year, indicating high satisfaction with the academic experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.4%
- Retention Rate
- 97.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $92,538
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $133,543 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $110,878 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $102,123 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $101,072 |
| Taxation. | Master | $100,518 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $97,071 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $94,408 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $92,124 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $91,744 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $89,564 |
Campus Life
Northeastern sits in the heart of Boston with the Green Line running right through campus, putting you steps from Fenway Park and downtown. With housing capacity for 11,759 students and total enrollment of 15,719, about three-quarters of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that range from traditional dorms to apartment-style units. Boston winters demand serious coats and boots, with snow lasting from December through March.
The co-op program shapes everything about campus life. At any given time, thousands of students are off campus working six-month internships at companies like Google, Pfizer, or the Red Sox. This creates a unique rhythm where your friend group constantly shifts as people cycle between classes and co-ops. Weekends revolve around exploring Boston's neighborhoods, catching Huskies hockey games, or heading to nearby Harvard Square. The 97.52% retention rate reflects how students embrace this work-study culture. Spring Fest brings the whole campus together each April, while the Northeastern-Boston University hockey rivalry fills Matthews Arena with energy that carries through the bitter New England winters.
The co-op program shapes everything about campus life. At any given time, thousands of students are off campus working six-month internships at companies like Google, Pfizer, or the Red Sox. This creates a unique rhythm where your friend group constantly shifts as people cycle between classes and co-ops. Weekends revolve around exploring Boston's neighborhoods, catching Huskies hockey games, or heading to nearby Harvard Square. The 97.52% retention rate reflects how students embrace this work-study culture. Spring Fest brings the whole campus together each April, while the Northeastern-Boston University hockey rivalry fills Matthews Arena with energy that carries through the bitter New England winters.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 11,759 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1898
Campus Safety (2023)
101 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 14 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 10 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Northeastern draws ambitious students nationwide who want real-world experience alongside their education. Nearly 80% come from out-of-state, showing the co-op program's national reputation for launching careers. Women make up 56% of students, reflecting strong programs in health sciences, business, and engineering. The student body is diverse, with Asian students comprising 21% and Hispanic students 11% of enrollment. Only 12% receive Pell Grants, indicating most families can afford the substantial costs. These students typically prioritize career outcomes over traditional college experiences, choosing hands-on learning through the university's signature cooperative education model.
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 40.4%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 11.1%
- Asian
- 20.9%
- In-State Students
- 20.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.3%
Location
Northeastern sits in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, placing students at the heart of one of America's most historic cities. The university occupies 73 acres in the bustling Fenway-Kenmore and Roxbury neighborhoods. Boston hosts over 250,000 college students across dozens of universities, creating an unmatched academic atmosphere. The city offers strong museums, professional sports teams, and countless internship opportunities that complement Northeastern's famous co-op program. Students can walk to Fenway Park, explore the Freedom Trail, or take the T subway system anywhere in the metropolitan area. Only 20.52% of students come from Massachusetts, reflecting the university's national draw. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Northeastern with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5005
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $92,538
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $94,528
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $57,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern University?
Northeastern University accepts 6.80% of applicants, making it highly selective among research universities. Students need strong academic credentials, with the middle 50% scoring between 1440-1550 on the SAT.
How much does Northeastern University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Northeastern University is $32,116, lower than the sticker price of $82,931. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,900 on average due to generous institutional aid.
What is Northeastern University known for academically?
Northeastern University pioneered the cooperative education model that integrates classroom learning with professional work experience. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and boasts a 97.52% retention rate among its 15,719 students.
What do Northeastern University graduates earn after college?
Northeastern University graduates earn a median salary of $92,538 ten years after graduation. The strong co-op program contributes to an impressive 95.8% employment rate and helps students graduate with manageable debt of $24,250.
Where is Northeastern University located and what is campus life like?
Northeastern University sits in the heart of Boston, housing 11,759 students in campus residences. The urban campus allows students to take advantage of internships and cultural opportunities throughout the city.
How does the co-op program work at Northeastern University?
Northeastern University's signature co-op program allows students to alternate between academic terms and full-time work experiences with partner employers. This experiential learning model helps explain why graduates earn $74,155 in their first year out of college.
