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Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts · Private · 17,326 undergrads

Northeastern admits 5.6% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), is test-optional for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 1, 2027.

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Can I get into Northeastern?

5.6% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1440–1510 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

105,257 applied, 5,920 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does Northeastern cost?

$29,060 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $88,412.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000Not reported
$30,000–$48,000Not reported
$48,000–$75,000$2,038
$75,000–$110,000$11,758
over $110,000$49,705

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Northeastern's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

When is Northeastern due?

53 days left

Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
Closed
Early action
Was due Nov 1, 2026
53days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Friday, Jan 1, 2027
53days
Regular decision
Due Friday, Jan 1, 2027
Add to calendar Every Northeastern deadline

Checked on admissions.northeastern.edu Nov 5, 2026. See the source

Does Northeastern need the SAT or ACT?Optional

No.

Test-optional for fall 2027. 24% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1480 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admissions.northeastern.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

17,326
undergrads. Big, with lots of choices and some big lectures.
City
Campus setting in Boston, MA.
97%
of first-years come back for year two.
0%
finish in four years. 90% within six.
$99.4k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$20k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Northeastern is on

Test-optional collegesColleges due Jan 1Early decision II collegesMost selective in MassachusettsColleges for a 1500 SATColleges for a 1450 SATColleges for a 34 ACTCheapest after aid, families $48–75k

Questions people ask

Is Northeastern University test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. Northeastern is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on admissions.northeastern.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Northeastern University's acceptance rate?
5.6% for fall 2025: 5,920 of 105,257 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1440 to 1510 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Northeastern University cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $2,038 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $88,412.
When is the Northeastern University application deadline for fall 2027?
Early decision closed Nov 1, 2026. Early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Early decision II is due Jan 1, 2027. Regular decision is due Jan 1, 2027. Checked on admissions.northeastern.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
Does Northeastern University have early decision?
Yes. 1,910 of 5,404 early decision applicants were admitted (35%) in fall 2025. Early decision is binding: if you're admitted, you go.