Quick Facts
Leading private research university known for experiential learning
Location
Boston, MA
Degrees
Certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate
Popular Majors
Business, Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Health Professions, Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Communication/Journalism
Total Students	Undergrad Students
31,159	~16,000
Tuition (2025-2026)	Room and Board
$66,162	~$20,000
Selectivity	Average Net Price *
Extremely Selective (~5.6% acceptance rate)	$34,770
Distance from Boston	School Website
In Boston
* Average Net Price is the actual average cost to students for attending the college. This is calculated by adding the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and room and board where applicable) and subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid.

Northeastern University, founded in 1898, is a leading private research university in the heart of Boston. Renowned for its pioneering cooperative education (co-op) program, Northeastern integrates classroom learning with professional work experience, preparing students for global careers. With an R1 research classification and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary innovation, the university attracts ambitious students worldwide. U.S. News & World Report ranks Northeastern #46 among national universities in 2026.

Northeastern offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine colleges, with standout strengths in business, engineering, computer science, health sciences, and social sciences.

The signature co-op program allows students to alternate semesters of study with full-time paid work in their field, building resumes and networks early. Many complete multiple co-ops worldwide.

Graduate offerings include highly ranked programs in business (D'Amore-McKim School), engineering, law, computer science, and public health.

Northeastern's Huskies compete in NCAA Division I (CAA conference) across 18 varsity sports, with strong teams in hockey, basketball, and soccer. Club and intramural options abound.

The 73-acre urban campus integrates seamlessly with Boston's Fenway neighborhood, offering modern facilities, green spaces, and direct access to the city's cultural, professional, and entertainment scenes.

Contents

Academics>

Admission>

Career Outcomes>

Campus>

Student Life>

Graduate Schools>

International Students>

Visiting Northeastern>

Academics

Northeastern provides an experiential, interdisciplinary education designed for real-world impact. Undergraduates choose from over 195 majors, with popular fields including Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Health Professions, and Social Sciences. The co-op program—integrated into most degrees—allows students to gain up to 18 months of professional experience. Research opportunities, global campuses, and project-based learning complement rigorous coursework.

Admission

Admission to Northeastern is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate around 5.6% in recent cycles, reflecting the university's rising prestige and appeal to ambitious students. Applications are submitted through the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir, offering Early Decision I/II (binding) and Early Action (non-binding) options alongside Regular Decision. Northeastern remains test-optional, placing greater weight on academic rigor (recommended 4+ years of core subjects), GPA trends, challenging coursework, essays, recommendations, and demonstrated interest. The holistic review seeks students who show initiative, leadership, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with Northeastern’s experiential learning model. Admitted students typically have strong academic profiles and meaningful extracurricular contributions. Merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on application strength, while need-based aid is available (though limited for internationals).

Career Outcomes

Northeastern's signature co-op program is the cornerstone of its exceptional career outcomes, providing students with up to 18 months of full-time, paid professional experience before graduation. This hands-on preparation results in outstanding employment rates—typically 92–95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months—and competitive starting salaries, often exceeding $75,000–$90,000 in fields like tech, finance, consulting, engineering, and healthcare. Top employers include Fortune 500 companies, innovative startups, global firms, and leading institutions in Boston's thriving industries. The university's Center for Career Development offers personalized advising, resume building, interview prep, and extensive job fairs, while the vast alumni network and co-op connections open doors worldwide. Many graduates leverage their experience to launch successful careers or pursue advanced degrees at top programs.

Campus

Northeastern's 73-acre urban campus is seamlessly woven into Boston's vibrant Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, offering the energy of city life with a cohesive collegiate feel. Modern buildings like the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) and state-of-the-art facilities such as the EXP research hub coexist with green quads, outdoor plazas, and the Centennial Common—a central gathering space. Students enjoy cutting-edge labs, maker spaces, fitness centers, dining halls, and residence options ranging from traditional dorms to apartment-style living. The campus is highly walkable and connected by the MBTA Green Line, providing quick access to Boston's cultural landmarks, professional districts, hospitals, and entertainment venues. This prime location blends academic focus with urban excitement, making Northeastern ideal for students who thrive in dynamic environments.

Student Life

Northeastern fosters a dynamic, inclusive student community shaped by its unique co-op rhythm and global outlook. With over 500 student organizations—ranging from cultural clubs, professional societies, and entrepreneurship groups to performing arts, media outlets, and service initiatives—students find endless ways to connect and lead. Major events like Springfest, Homecoming, and the Husky Hunt scavenger tradition bring the campus together. Athletics play a big role, with passionate support for Division I hockey and basketball games at Matthews Arena (the oldest college hockey arena in the world). Intramural and club sports offer fun competition, while wellness programs promote balance amid demanding schedules. The diverse population, including many international and first-generation students, creates a welcoming atmosphere enriched by global perspectives. Living in Boston adds unparalleled access to museums, concerts, restaurants, internships, and professional networking, making student life both academically intense and socially vibrant.

Graduate Schools

Visiting Northeastern