
360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA


Northeastern University holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is a widely recognized and respected regional accrediting body. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement. For prospective students, this means that degrees earned at Northeastern University are recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many of Northeastern University's individual colleges, schools, and programs have specialized accreditations relevant to their specific fields. These specialized credentials affirm the quality and relevance of the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes within those disciplines. Such accreditations are particularly important for students pursuing professional careers that require licensure or certification.
Choosing a university with proper accreditation is crucial as it affects eligibility for federal financial aid, credit transferability, and overall academic recognition. Northeastern University's accreditation status positions it as a credible institution for students seeking a comprehensive and recognized higher education experience.
Northeastern University maintains selective admission standards, requiring applicants to have completed a secondary school education with a general educational development (GED) certificate accepted. Prospective students must submit a secondary school record along with their application, and a minimum grade point average is mandatory. Letters of recommendation are also an essential part of the application process, reflecting the university's expectation for demonstrated academic and personal qualities.
English proficiency must be proven through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is compulsory for non-native speakers, while submission of additional standardized test scores is recommended but not strictly required. The institution does not operate an open admission policy, emphasizing selectivity in its enrollment.
Credit transfer opportunities exist through acceptance of previous college credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, allowing some flexibility for students who have completed applicable coursework prior to admission.
The academic credentials of admitted students are notably strong. The average SAT score stands at 1490, placing admitted candidates in the top 5% nationally. This score typically breaks down to approximately 760 in math and 730 in writing, both reflecting very high achievement levels. Similarly, the average ACT score for enrolled students is around 34, again highlighting the university's commitment to academic excellence among its incoming class.
The acceptance rate at Northeastern University is remarkably low, about 6%, situating it in the bottom 5% of selectivity nationwide, indicating highly competitive admission conditions. With over 96,000 applicants but only around 5,400 admitted, gaining entry requires strong academic records and a comprehensive application.
Northeastern University requires prospective undergraduate applicants to pay a nonrefundable application fee as part of their submission process. The standard fee amount is $75. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with reviewing applications and is consistent regardless of the admission cycle or program type.
Fee waivers are available to certain applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria. Students qualifying for fee waivers typically include those who attend high schools that participate in the College Board's fee waiver program, are certified by the NACAC fee waiver process, or those who face significant economic hardship. Applicants seeking a waiver must submit the appropriate documentation or request through their high school counselor or an authorized representative.
International students and transfer applicants are subject to the same application fee and have access to similar fee waiver provisions, aligning with Northeastern's commitment to accessibility and support for diverse applicant pools.
Northeastern University offers access to ROTC programs through a cooperating host institution. Rather than hosting ROTC branches directly on its own campus, students interested in pursuing ROTC training participate via an affiliated partner university that administers the ROTC unit. This arrangement allows students to engage in ROTC coursework and leadership development while enrolled at Northeastern University, albeit through the facilities and programs of the cooperating institution.
Northeastern University permits transfer students to enroll in the fall and spring terms, offering flexibility for those looking to join during these periods. The university accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate the continuation of previous academic work. Although detailed information on credit acceptance policies such as CLEP or DANTES exams is unavailable, it is clear that prior college coursework can be recognized. Prospective transfer students should consider these factors when planning their application, as they may impact the timeline and credit accumulation during their studies.
Northeastern University offers a diverse range of study abroad programs designed to enhance the educational experience of its students through global engagement. These programs span multiple academic disciplines and provide opportunities to study in numerous countries around the world.
The university's study abroad options include semester-long academic programs where students can enroll in coursework abroad that aligns with their major or interests. Additionally, Northeastern facilitates shorter-term programs such as faculty-led summer sessions and intensive language immersion experiences, catering to those who prefer to study internationally without committing to a full semester.
Beyond traditional study abroad formats, Northeastern integrates experiential learning through its co-op program, enabling students to gain professional work experience internationally. This practical approach allows students to immerse themselves in global cultures while applying their academic knowledge in real-world environments.
Overall, Northeastern University's study abroad offerings aim to accommodate varying student schedules and goals, from extensive cultural and academic immersion to focused professional development abroad.
Median composite SAT score
1490Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
7.36%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
23.67%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring