Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
5%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1440–1540
Undergrad enrollment
17,326
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$30,915
In-state tuition
$66,162
Out-of-state tuition
$66,162
Middle 50% ACT
33–35
Middle 50% SAT
1460–1550
Acceptance Rate
5.2%
Undergrad Majors
329
Avg. Unweighted GPA
4.2–4.5
Co-op Participation
50%+
Net Price (After Aid)
$45,775
5-Year Graduation Rate
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern University?
Northeastern University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% (Boston, MA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University?
Admitted students at Northeastern University typically score 1440–1540 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Northeastern University cost?
At Northeastern University, the average net price (after aid) is about $30,915 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Northeastern University?
Northeastern University enrolls approximately 17,326 undergraduate students.
Where is Northeastern University located?
Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA.
Northeastern University has transformed itself from a regional commuter school into a selective, globally recognized research university with a signature co-op program that integrates real-world experience into its curriculum. Its Boston location, emphasis on experiential learning, and rapidly rising selectivity (now under 6%) make it a magnet for career-focused students—though its sticker price and competitive admissions demand serious consideration.
Admissions
Getting into Northeastern has become brutally competitive—its 5.2% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (per PrepMaven and US News) puts it in Ivy-adjacent territory. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1460–1550, with ACT scores clustering between 33–35. Unweighted GPAs for admits typically fall between 4.2–4.5. Notably, applying Early Decision may provide a slight edge at this institution where over 90% of applicants could plausibly succeed academically.
Northeastern offers an unusually flexible curriculum with 329 majors and 199 combined majors across nine colleges, allowing students to blend disciplines like business and computer science or engineering and design. Its standout feature is the co-op program—ranked among the best nationally—where students alternate semesters of study with full-time paid work at companies like Tesla or NASA. While some debate whether its rapid rise in rankings reflects academic substance (see Reddit threads), programs in international business (top 10 per U.S. News) and computer science draw particular praise.
The vibe is work-hard, network-harder—students describe a campus where people study outside at the first sign of sunshine but also prioritize professional connections. Over 400 clubs range from investment societies to Quidditch teams. Boston’s urban setting means less traditional campus culture than rural schools, but the Reddit consensus is that most students find it welcoming: "Most people are pretty friendly" (r/NEU). Housing guarantees exist but some upperclassmen move off-campus to escape Boston’s high rents.
The co-op model pays off: 93% of graduates are employed or in grad school within nine months. Median earnings one year post-graduation hover around $74,155 (per Research.com), though Niche reports a lower figure of $36,427—likely reflecting early-career variability. Five-year graduation rates sit at 73%, climbing to 77% by year six. Notably, 50% of students complete at least one co-op, often leading directly to job offers.
At $69,289 for tuition and fees, Northeastern isn’t cheap—but its Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. averages $45,775 after aid (US News). About half of students receive merit or need-based scholarships, with average grants around $25,544. The MyinTuition calculator helps families estimate costs, though the university emphasizes that 82% of aid comes from institutional grants rather than loans.
Northeastern has masterfully leveraged its co-op program and Boston location to attract top students who want résumé-ready experience before graduation. While critics argue its ranking surge relies on gaming metrics, the outcomes speak for themselves: graduates land jobs at elite firms and earn salaries competitive with Ivy League peers. It’s ideal for self-starters who’ll maximize urban opportunities—but the price tag demands calculating ROI.
Northeastern University logo · sourceVisit Campus | Undergraduate Admissions · sourceNortheastern University moves to online learning at its Boston campus - Northeastern Global News · sourceGetting to Know: Northeastern University (MA) - Educated Quest · source
