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Northeastern University

Boston, MA·Private·~5% acceptance

Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. It admits about 5% of applicants, making it one of the most selective schools in the country. The average net price after aid is about $30,915 per year. About 90% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$30,915/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $84,641
Aid cuts ~$53,726/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 1
EA
Nov 1
RD
Jan 1

ED, EA and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)33–35
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
90%
graduation rate
97%
freshman retention
$78,413
median earnings, 6yr
$92,538
median earnings, 10yr
How Northeastern reads an application

What Northeastern values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Test scoresRecommendations
Important
ExtracurricularsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualitiesVolunteer workWork experience
Also considered
Class rankApplication essaysFirst-generation statusGeographic residenceDemonstrated interest

From Northeastern’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Northeastern requires

Required
Grades (GPA)Course rigorRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Class rankCollege-prep programTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)

From federal IPEDS data — what Northeastern requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Northeastern University's acceptance rate?
Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants.
How much does Northeastern University cost?
At Northeastern University, the average net price after aid is about $30,915 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $84,641 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Northeastern University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT.
What are Northeastern University's application deadlines?
Northeastern University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 1, Early Action around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Jan 1. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Northeastern University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Northeastern University rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), Test scores, and Recommendations as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Extracurriculars, Talent / ability, Character / personal qualities, Volunteer work, and Work experience. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Northeastern University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Northeastern University, side by side with your other schools.