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Northeastern University

Boston, MA·Private nonprofit·15,719 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $74,200 within 10 years; exceptional 90% graduation rate.

6%
Accept
15,719
Students
$32,116
Net Price
90%
Grad Rate
$74,200
Earnings
10 yr
$22,000
Debt

About This School

Northeastern University is a private nonprofit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts with approximately 15,719 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 6%. The average net price after financial aid is $32,116 per year. The graduation rate is 90%, and the typical graduate earns $74,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northeastern University is a private research university with its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded by the Boston Young Men's Christian Association in 1898 as an all-male institute before being incorporated as Northeastern College in 1916, gaining university status in 1922.

This is a strong option for students who want real-world experience built into their degree — Northeastern's co-op program sends undergrads into paid professional roles before they graduate, and the outcomes back it up: median earnings of $74,200 a decade out with only $22,000 in median debt is a genuinely healthy return. The 98% freshman retention and 90% graduation rate signal that students who get in tend to thrive and finish. The main caveat is selectivity — at 6% acceptance, this is a reach for most applicants, so treat it as an aspirational target rather than a safety.

Founded
1898
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Engineering20%
Computer Science14%
Biological Sciences10%
Health Professions8%
Social Sciences8%
Communications4%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Gregory JarvisGina HaspelJane CurtinWendy WilliamsBiz StoneToby FoxScott BrownPrincess Theodora of Greece and DenmarkJ. J. BareaShawn FanningLyndon LaRoucheReggie Lewis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1505
Reading 75th %ile760
Math 75th %ile790

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$63,141
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,141
Avg Net Price
$32,116
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants12%
Median debt at graduation$22,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
90%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
98%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$74,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$57,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$74,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White40%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian21%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (15,719 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northeastern University

360 Huntington Ave

Boston, MA 02115-5005

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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