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.
Is Northeastern University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 5.7%, Northeastern University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
Northeastern University Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
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
34
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.
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