Northeastern University
The Vibe Check
Northeastern feels like a fast-paced, career-focused urban campus where ambition and practicality meet. The co-op program creates a constant rhythm of academic semesters interspersed with full-time work, fostering a mature, professionally-driven student body. The campus blends historic brick buildings with modern research facilities, buzzing with students who are always juggling classes, co-ops, and exploring the city.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Northeastern is renowned for its experiential learning model, particularly its signature co-op program that integrates paid, full-time work experience into the curriculum. Academic strengths are anchored in business, engineering, computer science, and health sciences, with strong research opportunities in areas like biotechnology and sustainability. Teaching quality is generally high, with faculty often having significant industry experience that complements theoretical instruction.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Boston
Students take full advantage of Boston's vibrant culture, from catching Red Sox games at Fenway Park (steps from campus) to exploring the city's historic neighborhoods and museums. The city offers endless food options, live music venues, and outdoor activities along the Charles River, providing a dynamic backdrop to student life. With Cambridge and other neighborhoods easily accessible by public transit, social and cultural opportunities are expansive.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($92,538):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The main campus is located in the safe, bustling Fenway/Kenmore area, which is heavily patrolled by campus and Boston police. While the urban setting requires standard city awareness, the campus itself is well-lit and secure, with extensive safety resources for students.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Signature co-op program provides unparalleled real-world work experience and professional networking.
- ✓ Prime location in Boston offers access to internships, cultural events, and a dynamic urban environment.
- ✓ High graduation (90.8%) and retention (97.5%) rates indicate strong student satisfaction and academic support.
- ✓ Powerful alumni network and career services leading to excellent job placement in top industries.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely high cost of attendance, leading to significant debt for many students.
- ✗ Intense academic and co-op schedule can be demanding and leave less time for traditional college social experiences.
- ✗ The urban campus can feel less like a traditional 'college town' environment for those seeking a more insulated campus feel.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Northeastern University is primarily known for its pioneering cooperative education (co-op) program, which integrates full-time, paid work experience into the curriculum. It is also recognized for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and health sciences, all benefiting from its urban Boston location and research focus.
Yes, Northeastern is highly selective. With an acceptance rate of only 5.65%, admission is extremely competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1460-1540 (or equivalent ACT scores) and come from the top of their high school class.
Campus life is dynamic and career-oriented, driven by the co-op program which means students are often balancing classes with full-time work. The campus is located in the heart of Boston, offering easy access to city amenities, while the on-campus experience includes over 400 student clubs, NCAA Division I athletics, and a strong sense of community in residence halls.
For many students, yes. The combination of a high graduation rate (90.8%), strong post-graduation earnings (10-year median of $92,538), and the income earned during co-op periods can justify the high sticker price. However, it's crucial to compare financial aid packages, as the net price ($32,116 on average) can vary significantly.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1898
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 22,528
- In-State Tuition $63,141
- Zip Code 02115
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price over $63,000, Northeastern is a significant investment, but its strong ROI is reflected in a 10-year median earnings of $92,538. The co-op program is a key financial advantage, as students can earn substantial income during their academic career (often $20,000-$30,000 per co-op) to offset costs. For students in high-earning fields like computer science or business, the degree is often worth the cost due to the high graduation rate and strong post-grad employment outcomes.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.