*Details correct as of August 2023
- Large private research university
- Founded 1898
- 18,900 undergraduates (26,700 students total)
- 18% international students
- Acceptance rate: 18% and decreasing – in recent years Northeastern has seen a huge spike in applications (+21% in Fall 2022)
- Graduate in 6 years: 90%
- Returning freshmen: 97%
- 14:1 student to faculty ratio
- Northeastern is well known for its extensive co-op opportunities – both domestic and global. Potential applicants are also attracted to the vast choices of majors, combined majors and special programmes on offer.
Location
- 3 campuses: Boston, Oakland in California, and London
- 73 acre campus in the heart of Boston – a mix of older and newer buildings and lots of green spaces, outdoor art, sculptures and brick walkways. Campus can feel quite crowded.
- An ambitious building programme has led to lots of swanky new facilities – including a state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex
- An underground tunnel system connects campus buildings and proves handy during the rough weather months
- Shopping centres, night clubs, cafes, Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park are all nearby
- NU London is located in St. Katherine Docks in the centre of the city a few minutes walk from the Tower of London – 5-10 minutes from a tube station. Accommodation, around 20 minutes walk from campus, is offered for the 1st year.
- NU Oakland is a lush green campus that allows students to take advantage of the cultural offerings of both Oakland and San Francisco, while being less than an hour away from Silicon Valley. Students who stay in Oakland are guaranteed housing for all four years.
Academic
- Majors are offered in 8 undergraduate colleges
- 209+ majors and over 180 combined majors are on offer
- Students can enter undecided on a major, but must choose one undergraduate college so it helps to have 2-3 in mind before starting
- Emphasis on pre-professional education and hands on learning – students combine liberal arts requirements with up to 18 months of work placements
- Students complete at least two co-ops (4-6 months in length) to graduate in 4 years or three co-ops over 5 years
- Co-ops are on offer for every major – a co-op prep course gets students ready to connect and interview with prospective employers. They start in Year 2.
- Students pay no tuition while on co-op and co-ops in Accounting, Computer Science, Engineering and Information Systems can pay quite well
- In addition to the Core Curriculum (NUpath) students must take part in a first year learning community, integrated experiential learning and a capstone experience in their major
- Strong programmes: Architecture, Journalism, Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, International Business
- Most popular majors: Business, Information Science, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Communications
- Runs a semester schedule
- NUBound – accepted students may be asked to begin their first year on another Northeastern campus – either in Northern California or London
- N.U. Program allows globally-minded students to begin their first semester in California or London, or one of seven other locations depending on their major-compatibility – eg. Scotland, Rome, Portugal, Spain, etc
- There are many other international experiences on offer for students in future years through the Global Experience Office
- Global Scholars Programme offers customised global experiences, advising and mentoring, resources access and financial support. An honours programme is also available.
- NU London Double Degree Program – Students spend three years in London and receive their U.K. Bachelor’s degree. They can then complete an additional year at NU Boston or Oakland to receive a U.S. Bachelors, earning two globally recognized degrees in 4 years
- NU Oakland offers a range of interdisciplinary degree programmes with an orientation towards technology, health, science and business.
- Very strong alumni base in Boston
Application
- Accepts Common App or Coalition App
- Early Decision 1 – 1st November
- Early Action – 1st November
- Early Decision 2: 1st January
- Regular Application – 1st January
- Roughly half of the class are admitted through ED – recommended if NU is your 1st choice
- Test optional – scores are considered important if they are submitted
- SAT: 1470-1540 / ACT: 33-35
- Excellent grades and a rigorous course load are required, as are engagement beyond the classroom, demonstrated leadership and an interest in pursuing your passions
- Interested students should demonstrate interest by connecting through virtual offering and reaching out to their region’s admission counsellor
- Application fee $75 -waived for students applying ED1 and ED2
- Requirements: high school transcript, teacher evaluation, counsellor recommendation, English Language testing (non-native speakers), Declaration and Certification of Finances, Self Reported Academic Record
- College of Arts, Media and Design applicants can submit an optional portfolio
Finances
- Tuition fees vary depending on location and programme, but for Boston, Oakland and N.U.in. $62,392 tuition and fees for 2023/24 and around $10,610 for housing, depending on the accommodation option assigned
- Only offers merit scholarships to international students
Accommodation
- Students are required to live on campus for two years regardless of where they begin their education
- All freshmen reside in living/learning communities organised around particular interests
- The university can only house 50% of its student body in Boston – and Boson has one of the most expensive real estate markets in the US with lots of competition
Activities
- Over 400 clubs and organisations
- NCAA Division 1 (without football) – hockey is the ‘big’ sport – women’s rowing and men and women’s track and cross-country are also strong
- 25 intramural and 64 sports clubs. 3 fitness centres on campus in Boston.
- Social life can feel diluted because so many students are off campus on co-op or overseas experiences – a lot of the social life happens off campus
- Regular traditions include: an annual concert called Springfest and the Underwear Run during Parent Weekend
- Boston is a great college ‘town’ packed with concerts, museums, clubs and places to eat
- Nearby are the ski slopes of Vermont and, in the summer, the beaches of Cape Cod and the North Shore.
- Husky 101 Student and Family Orientation is mandatory for newly enrolled first year students
Visit the Northeastern University website
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@northeastern
Take a virtual tour
