# Northeastern University

Boston, MA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/northeastern-university

Northeastern University is a private nonprofit college in Boston, MA with 17,326 undergraduates. It admits 5.2% of applicants, and admitted students average 1497 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $29,060 per year. 91% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $99,371 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 5.2% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 96,631 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 5,459 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 710–760 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 730–780 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 33–35 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $88,412 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $29,060 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | — (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | — (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $2,038 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $11,758 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $49,705 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 17,326 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 91% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $99,371 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,000 (FY2024) |

## What Northeastern University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Northeastern University's acceptance rate?**

Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 710–760 on SAT Reading and Writing and 730–780 on SAT Math; the average total is 1497.

**What ACT score do you need for Northeastern University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 33–35.

**Is Northeastern University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Northeastern University?**

In Fall 2023, 96,631 students applied to Northeastern University and 5,459 were admitted; 2,744 enrolled.

**Does Northeastern University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Northeastern University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Northeastern University require an essay?**

Northeastern University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Northeastern University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $88,412 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $29,060.

**What is Northeastern University's graduation rate?**

91% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 167358. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology