Northeastern admitted 5.6% of applicants for fall 2025 (5,920 of 105,257, Common Data Set 2025-26). Northeastern admitted 35% of early decision applicants (1,910 of 5,404). Northeastern is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1440–1510.
The numbers
Applied
105,257
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–34
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
4.22
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
54%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$75
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
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.
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).
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.
Checked on admissions.northeastern.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source
Early rounds and deadlines
For fall 2025, 1,910 of 5,404 early decision applicants got in (35%), against 5.6% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Early action is offered: you hear sooner and don't have to commit.
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
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
There is a wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Northeastern looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, SAT or ACT scores, recommendations.
Counts a lot
Activities, talent or ability, character, volunteering, work experience.
Also considered
Class rank, essay, first in your family to go to college, where you live, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Northeastern rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Northeastern University's acceptance rate?
Northeastern admitted 5.6% of applicants for fall 2025 (5,920 of 105,257, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1440–1510. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Northeastern University early decision?
For fall 2025, 1,910 of 5,404 early decision applicants got in (35%), against 5.6% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
