Northeastern University
Private college · Boston, MA · 17,326 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
5.2%
Extremely selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Average net price
$29,060
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$88,412
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
91%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Northeastern University?
Northeastern University accepts about 5 of every 100 applicants (5.2%), which makes it extremely selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1440 and 1540 on the SAT. A score at or above 1540 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1440, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 33–35.
The latest federal data says Northeastern University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Northeastern University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Northeastern University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $88,412 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $29,060 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $69,289 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$69,289
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$69,289
- Room & board$22,048
- Total cost of attendance$88,412
- Average net price after grants$29,060
Popular majors
Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Health Science.
Northeastern University FAQ
- What is Northeastern University's acceptance rate?
- 5.2% — extremely selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1440–1540. Aim for 1540 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Northeastern University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 33–35.
- Is Northeastern University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Northeastern University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Northeastern University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Northeastern University cost?
- About $88,412 a year before aid; $29,060 on average after grants.
- What is Northeastern University's FAFSA school code?
- 002199. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Northeastern University receives your information.
- What is Northeastern University's graduation rate?
- 91% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Northeastern University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA | 4.6% | 1520–1580 | $14,815 | 96% |
| Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA | 3.7% | 1510–1580 | $19,148 | 97% |
| Williams CollegeWilliamstown, MA | 8.3% | 1490–1570 | $15,157 | 95% |
| Amherst CollegeAmherst, MA | 9% | 1490–1580 | $19,536 | 93% |
| Boston UniversityBoston, MA | 11% | 1420–1530 | $36,503 | 90% |
| Tufts UniversityMedford, MA | 11% | 1470–1560 | $38,797 | 94% |