CAMPUS · BOSTON, MA · PRIVATE

Northeastern University

5.7%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Northeastern University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

5.7%

of 96,631 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$92,538

across all majors

Northeastern University at a Glance

5.7%

Acceptance Rate

1505

Average SAT

Average ACT

39,566

Total Enrollment

$92,538

Median Salary (10yr)

$24,250

Median Debt

12.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Northeastern University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	710	760	735
SAT Math	750	790	770
SAT Total	1460	1550	1505
ACT Composite	33	35	34

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	96,631
Students Admitted	5,459
Students Enrolled	2,744
Yield Rate	50.3%

Northeastern University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#43	2025
QS World University Rankings	#362	2025

Northeastern University Overview

Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA with 39,566 students. With a 5.7% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. Graduates earn a median of $92,538 ten years after enrollment.

Full Name	Northeastern University
Location	Boston, MA 02115-5005
Type	Private
Website	northeastern.edu/
Total Enrollment	39,566
Undergrad Enrollment	22,528
Female Students	55.1%

How Much Do APs Matter at Northeastern University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Northeastern University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Northeastern University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Northeastern University officially says matters in admission decisions.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Not Considered
Work Experience	Important
Volunteer Work	Important

Best AP Classes to Take for Northeastern University

Based on Northeastern University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Engineering (20% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Chemistry

For Computer Science (14% of students)

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus BC

For Biological Sciences (10% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Health Professions (8% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Psychology

AP Strategy for Northeastern University Applicants

Take as many APs as you can handle well

At a school this selective, 7-12 AP courses is typical for admitted students. Quality matters more than quantity.

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

Northeastern University True Cost by Family Income

Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Northeastern. Families earning $0-30k pay around $2,264 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $47,696. 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Northeastern enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $24,250, which is reasonable against the $78,413 typical early-career salary.

Family Income	Annual Net Price	4-Year Total
$0-30k	$2,264	$9,056
$30-48k	$2,436	$9,744
$48-75k	$5,301	$21,204
$75-110k	$16,241	$64,964
$110k+	$47,696	$190,784

Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$18,790
Total Cost of Attendance	$84,641

Popular Majors at Northeastern University

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Business/Marketing

22.8%

Engineering

19.7%

Computer Science

14.3%

Biological Sciences

9.9%

Health Professions

7.9%

Social Sciences

7.8%

Communication

3.8%

Visual/Performing Arts

2.3%

Psychology

2.2%

Student Demographics

White

43.3%

Black/African American

4.8%

Hispanic/Latino

10.6%

Asian

19.4%

International

14.0%

How to Get Into Northeastern University

Northeastern is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1505+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Northeastern wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1505

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

5.7%

Acceptance Rate

96,631

Total Applicants

What Northeastern University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Not Considered
Work Experience	Important
Volunteer Work	Important

Northeastern University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Northeastern University EA/ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Action	Nov 1
Early Decision	Nov 1
Regular Decision	Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Feb 15

Early Decision: Northeastern University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Northeastern University is your clear first choice.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

12.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

$24,250

Median Debt at Graduation

Federal loans only

$78,413

Median Earnings (6yr)

6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About Northeastern University

What is Northeastern's acceptance rate?

Northeastern has an acceptance rate of 5.7%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Northeastern?

The middle 50% SAT range at Northeastern is 1460-1550. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Northeastern?

The most popular majors at Northeastern by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (22.8%), Engineering (19.7%), Computer Science (14.3%), Biological Sciences (9.9%), Health Professions (7.9%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

How much do Northeastern graduates earn?

Northeastern graduates earn a median salary of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.

Is Northeastern worth the cost?

With median earnings of $92,538 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $24,250, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Northeastern a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.

Can I transfer to Northeastern?

Northeastern accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.