Northeastern University Oakland
The Vibe Check
Northeastern University Oakland offers an intimate, high-intensity academic environment with just 542 students, fostering a tight-knit community where every student is known and supported. The campus feels like a focused urban enclave, combining the rigor of a top-tier research university with the personalized attention of a small liberal arts college. It's a place where ambitious students thrive through direct access to faculty and collaborative, project-based learning.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Academics are anchored in Northeastern's renowned experiential learning model, with Oakland students benefiting from the same curriculum and co-op opportunities as the Boston campus. Teaching quality is exceptionally high, with small class sizes ensuring direct mentorship from faculty who are leaders in their fields. Research opportunities are abundant, encouraging students to engage in meaningful, hands-on projects from their first year.
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 Oakland
Students enjoy the vibrant cultural and culinary scene of Oakland, with easy access to cafes, theaters, and music venues in neighborhoods like Jack London Square and Uptown. The proximity to San Francisco and Berkeley expands entertainment options, from tech meetups to hiking in the East Bay hills. Weekend activities often involve exploring local art, attending festivals, or taking advantage of the Bay Area's diverse offerings.
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 campus is located in a secure, well-patrolled area of Oakland, with campus safety services available 24/7. As with any urban environment, students are encouraged to practice awareness of their surroundings, especially when exploring the broader Bay Area.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Access to Northeastern's powerful global co-op network integrated into the curriculum
- ✓ Extremely low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized mentorship and support
- ✓ Part of a prestigious, innovation-driven university system with a focus on real-world experience
- ✓ Prime location in the Bay Area for internships and tech industry connections
Cons
- ✗ Very high tuition cost with limited public aid visibility for out-of-state students
- ✗ Small campus size may feel limiting for those seeking a large university social scene
- ✗ Limited on-campus housing and amenities compared to larger institutions
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Northeastern University Oakland is known for its exclusive focus on graduate and professional programs, particularly in fields like project management, software engineering, and regulatory affairs. It is renowned for its deep integration of experiential learning through co-op opportunities, leveraging Northeastern's extensive network in the Bay Area and beyond. The campus provides a highly specialized, career-oriented education with a strong emphasis on industry connections and practical skills.
Yes, Northeastern University Oakland is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 16.54%, reflecting its rigorous standards. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1472, indicating a competitive applicant pool. Admissions decisions are holistic, emphasizing academic excellence, professional experience, and alignment with the university's experiential learning model.
Campus life is intimate and academically focused due to the small enrollment of 542 students, fostering a collaborative and supportive community. Students engage in a tight-knit environment with easy access to faculty and personalized guidance, often centered around project-based learning and co-op preparation. Social activities are enriched by Oakland's urban setting, with opportunities to explore local culture, though the campus itself is compact and urban.
The value of a degree from Northeastern University Oakland is strong, particularly due to its co-op program that provides paid work experience and enhances employability. With 10-year median earnings of $92,538, graduates often see a solid return on investment, especially in high-demand tech and management fields. However, the high tuition of $63,949 per year requires careful financial planning, and the worth is maximized for students who actively leverage the co-op and Bay Area network opportunities.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1946
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- In-State Tuition $63,949
- Zip Code 94613
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an annual tuition of $63,949 regardless of residency, the investment is significant, but the 10-year median earnings of $92,538 suggest a strong return on investment. The co-op program, which integrates paid work experience into the degree, helps offset costs and builds a robust resume. For students pursuing high-demand fields, the financial payoff aligns well with the initial cost, especially when factoring in the experiential learning advantage.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.