Updated February 11, 2025

Northeastern University – Acceptance Rate and Statistics

What is attending Northeastern University like?

If you close your eyes and picture what you think a classic college campus looks like, you’ll probably be picturing Northeastern. Set in the heart of Boston but complete with grassy lawns and newly-built academic buildings, the school is a fit for anyone looking for the quintessential college experience. With eight undergraduate colleges, Northeastern offers hundreds of majors and student organizations. 

Northeastern emphasizes its Experiential Learning approach, especially the co-op education, which allows students to “craft purposeful educational paths, enhance their global perspective, and gain new knowledge that propels them forward.” This program lets students experience real-world work experience alongside their studies, giving them practical skills. (Plus, unlike in most internships, you’ll actually make money!)

Although Northeastern now has global campuses across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, we’ll be focusing on the Boston, MA campus in this article.

Northeastern students have the chance to participate in hands-on learning experiences.

Northeastern University 2023-2024 Admissions Data

Northeastern University Admissions Statistics

Northeastern is a competitive school, with just 5.2% of applicants accepted last year. Their acceptance rate has declined greatly in the last few years, shifting from 18.4% to 6.8% between 2022 to 2023.

However, if you’re interested in the school, Northeastern offers a few different admission options, which you can read more about on their site:

  • Early Decision 1: a binding admission program – applications due November 1
  • Early Decision 2: a binding admission program – applications due January
  • Early Action: a non-binding admission program – applications due November 1
  • Regular Decision: a non-binding admission program – applications due January 1

2023-2024 Northeastern University (Class of 2028) Acceptance Rate

Admission CycleNumber of applicantsNumber admittedAcceptance rate
All Applicants98,3735,1155.2%

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate History

YearNumber of applicantsNumber admittedAcceptance rate
2023-2024 (Class of 2028)98,3735,1155.2%
2022-2023 (Class of 2027)91,0006,1916.8%
2021-2022 (Class of 2026)75,24413,82918.4%
2020-2021 (Class of 2025)64,45913,19920.5%
2019-2020 (Class of 2024)62,26311,24018.1%

Northeastern Class of 2027 Middle 50% score range of admitted students (25th and 75th percentiles)*

SAT Math750-770
SAT ERW710-730
ACT Math31-33
ACT Reading32-34
ACT English33-35
ACT Science34-35
ACT Composite33-34

*What does this mean? The middle 50% score range refers to students from the 25th to the 75th percentile of admitted students. So if 100 students were admitted and we ranked their SAT scores from lowest to highest, we’d be looking at 50 students’ stats (from student 25 through student 75).

What is Northeastern looking for?

Northeastern emphasizes that they value both educational strengths and entrepreneurial spirit. Northeastern’s admissions site emphasizes the following traits in their students:

  • Wordly
  • Wise
  • Aware
  • Proactive

You can demonstrate your unique perspective through your essays, academic profile, teacher recommendations, and activities.

Other colleges you may be interested in:

College NameNumber of applicants (Class of 2028)Number admitted (Class of 2028)Acceptance rate (Class of 2028)
Brown University48,8812,5215.2%
Williams College15,4111,1597.5%
Amherst College13,7431,2389%

PrepMaven can help you in the admissions process

Wondering how to get into Northeastern University? PrepMaven can help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to boost your test scores, write a killer personal statement, or improve your GPA, we can be a helpful resource. With tutors who are graduates of top universities, valedictorians, National Merit Finalists, and National AP Scholars, we’re here to help you no matter what step you’re at in the admissions process.

Give us a call at 609-945-2264 or fill out our website form to learn how our flexible packages can work for you.

Alexis

Alexis is a tutor, writer, and producer. She graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As a tutor, she loves to help students explore their unique stories and share their personal journeys through impactful essay writing.

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