Overview
Northeastern University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Boston, Massachusetts. The school accepts 6.8% of applicants and enrolls 15,719 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 6.8%
- Average SAT
- 1,495
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,440–1,550
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 15,719
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Northeastern's co-op program fundamentally changes how you should approach your application because admissions officers evaluate whether you can handle alternating between academic and professional settings every six months. Your essays should address adaptability and professional readiness, not just academic interests.
The university operates as a global network with campuses in London, Vancouver, and Silicon Valley, so international experience or cross-cultural competency carries extra weight here. Reference specific global programs or partnerships that align with your career goals rather than generic study abroad interest.
Don't frame Northeastern as a backup to Boston University or other local schools. The co-op model attracts students who want practical experience integrated with academics, not those seeking a traditional college experience. Your application should reflect understanding that you'll spend significant time in professional environments, not just classrooms.
The Honors Program requires a separate application and offers smaller seminars plus priority co-op placements. Apply early decision if Northeastern is your top choice because the school fills a large portion of its class through binding admission. Regular decision becomes increasingly competitive as the class fills up.
Engineering applicants should highlight hands-on project experience since the curriculum emphasizes practical application through partnerships with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Business students benefit from mentioning interest in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly the IDEA venture accelerator that helps students launch startups.
Your supplemental essays should connect academic interests to career outcomes because co-op advisors help match students with positions. Vague academic exploration doesn't align with a program designed around professional development. Instead, discuss how specific courses or research opportunities prepare you for particular industries or roles.
Boston's tech and healthcare sectors provide abundant co-op opportunities, but you need to articulate why these industries interest you beyond proximity. The university's partnerships with local hospitals and biotech companies create pathways that other schools can't match, so research these connections before writing your application.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $32,116/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $63,141
- Students Receiving Aid
- 12%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $92,538/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 97.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northeastern University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Northeastern has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Northeastern University?
Northeastern offers Early Decision I (November 1), Early Decision II (January 1), and Regular Decision (January 1) application deadlines. Early Action is available with a November 1 deadline.
Can you transfer to Northeastern University as a sophomore or junior?
Northeastern accepts transfer students for fall and spring admission. Transfer applicants must have completed at least one full-time semester of college coursework before enrolling.
Does Northeastern University have binding Early Decision options?
Yes, Northeastern offers two binding Early Decision rounds: ED I with a November 1 deadline and ED II with a January 1 deadline. Students can only apply Early Decision to one school.