Northeastern University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Northeastern University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 18%. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is located in the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods of Boston, Massachusetts. Undergraduates can choose from more than 90 majors and concentrations within the university's eight colleges. Business, engineering, and health fields are some of the most popular majors among undergraduates. Northeastern's curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, and the school has strong internship and co-op programs. The Northeastern University Honors Program invites high achieving applicants to join the program each year. In athletics, the Northeastern Huskies compete in the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association.

Considering applying to this highly selective school? Here are the Northeastern University admissions statistics you should know.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Northeastern had an acceptance rate of 18%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 18 students were admitted, making Northeastern's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Northeastern requires that most applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. International applicants are required to submit AP, IB, or other international exam results in lieu of the SAT or ACT. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 55% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Northeastern's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Northeastern scored between 680 and 750, while 25% scored below 680 and 25% scored above 750. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 710 and 790, while 25% scored below 710 and 25% scored above 790. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1540 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Northeastern University.

Requirements

Northeastern does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Northeastern participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. SAT Subject tests are not required for admission to Northeastern University.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Northeastern requires that most applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. International applicants are required to submit AP, IB, or other international exam results in lieu of the SAT or ACT. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 31% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Northeastern's admitted students fall within the top 3% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Northeastern University received a composite ACT score between 32 and 35, while 25% scored above 35 and 25% scored below 32.

Requirements

Northeastern University does not require the optional ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Northeastern superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, the middle 50% of Northeastern University's incoming class had high school GPAs between 4.1 and 4.5. 25% had a GPA above 4.5, and 25% had a GPA below 4.1. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Northeastern have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Northeastern University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Northeastern University has a competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, Northeastern has a holistic admissions process involving factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside of Northeastern's average range.

To apply, students can use the Common Application or the Coalition Application. In addition to regular admission, Northeastern University has both Early Decision and Early Action options for admission. Both are excellent ways to demonstrate your interest in the university. Applicants should note that portfolios are required for the Studio Art major and are recommended for other majors within the university's College of Art, Media, and Design.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had high school averages of "B+" or higher, combined SAT scores of 1250 or higher, and ACT composite scores of 26 or better. Your chances are best with grades in the "A" range and standardized test scores above these lower ranges.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Northeastern University Undergraduate Admissions Office.