Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Northeastern University has a 6.8% acceptance rate. Northeastern University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Boston, MA, with a median SAT of 1490 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $30,915 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

6.8%

96,327 applicants

SAT Median

1490

Combined score

ACT Median

34

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$30,915

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Northeastern University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Northeastern University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)144014901540
ACT (composite, 1–36)333435

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

90.5%

Retention Rate

96.9%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$92,538

Student Body

17,326

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Northeastern University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$2,264
$30,001 – $48,000$2,436
$48,001 – $75,000$5,301
$75,001 – $110,000$16,241
$110,000+$47,696

Top Majors at Northeastern University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing1,082
Engineering844
Computer & Information Sciences762
Biological & Biomedical Sciences482
Social Sciences405
Health Professions363
Psychology161
Communication & Journalism158
Visual & Performing Arts104
Mathematics & Statistics96

Financial Aid at Northeastern University

About Northeastern University

Official website: https://www.northeastern.edu/

Admissions: https://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Northeastern University

What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern University?

Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 7%. it received about 96,327 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1490; the average net price is $30,915 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Northeastern University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Northeastern University?

Getting into Northeastern University is highly competitive — it admits 7% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1490. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Northeastern University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Northeastern University?

Admitted students at Northeastern University typically have a median SAT around 1490 and a median ACT around 34. With a 7% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Northeastern University?

The average net price at Northeastern University is $30,915 per year after grants and scholarships. about 75% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $35,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Northeastern University?

Northeastern University has a graduation rate of 90%. its first-year retention rate is 97%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $92,538. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Northeastern University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Northeastern University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Northeastern University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1490. With a 7% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Northeastern University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

Bates College

Lewiston, ME · 12% acceptance

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · 12% acceptance

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · 11% acceptance

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT · 16% acceptance

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · 14% acceptance

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · 18% acceptance

More Colleges in MA

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · 4% acceptance

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · 5% acceptance

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · 8% acceptance

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · 9% acceptance

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · 12% acceptance

Tufts University

Medford, MA · 10% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at Northeastern University — Free