Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / MA / Boston
Northeastern University logo

Northeastern University

Private nonprofit Boston, MA · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
90%
Graduation Rate
$92,538
Earnings (10yr)
$30,915
Net Price
5%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

Rankings

How Northeastern Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation90%Earnings 10yr$93KNet Price$31KRetention97%Median Debt$24KPell Grant Rate12%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$2K$0-30K$2K$30-48K$5K$48-75K$48K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%514.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4736.7%MOBILITY243.76%

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,162
In-State Tuition
$66,162
Out-of-State
$30,915
Avg Net Price
$24,250
Median Debt
12%
Pell Grant Rate
27%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$2,264
Family Income $0–$30K
$2,436
Family Income $30K–$48K
$5,301
Family Income $48K–$75K
$47,696
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$78,413
6 Years After Entry
$82,813
8 Years
$92,538
10 Years
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
85%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$78,413 6yr $82,813 8yr $92,538 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

243.76%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4736.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
514.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$108,300
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.79
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.4%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 5%
Retention Rate 97%
SAT Average 1497
ACT Midpoint 34
SAT Range 1440–1540
ACT Range 33–35
Full-Time Faculty 70%
Faculty Salary (mo) $16,218
Diversity Index 0.76
First-Gen Students 19%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 23%
Engineering 18%
Computer Science & IT 16%
Biology & Biomedical 10%
Social Sciences 8%
Health Professions 8%
Psychology 3%
Communications 3%