Northeastern University: An Overview

Rankings like QS and THE help evaluate factors such as faculty quality, research output, employer recognition, and international diversity. Northeastern University has demonstrated a steady upward trajectory in global rankings over the past few years.  

In the QS World University Rankings, it improved from 396th in 2023 to 388th in 2025, reaching 384th in 2026, reflecting growth in academic reputation and research output. The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings show some fluctuation, moving from 168th in 2023 to the 201–250 range in 2025.  

Meanwhile, the U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings indicate consistent performance, rising slightly from 227th in 2023 to 220th in 2025-2026, underlining Northeastern’s stable global presence and ongoing impact in research and education. 

Want to know more about Rankings? Check out Northeastern University Ranking 2025 for detailed insights and see how it stands globally! 

Northeastern University: Top Course-wise Ranking 2024-25 

Rankings for specific programs help you assess Northeastern University's performance in fields like Business, Engineering, or Medicine. 

Now, let’s check out the different campuses of Northeastern University. 

Northeastern University has multiple campuses located across the U.S. and internationally in cities like London and Vancouver. Each campus is known for its specific focus and specialized programs. For example, the Portland campus hosts the Institute for Experiential AI. 

Here’s an overview of the major campuses of Northeastern University: 

Other Campuses:  

Northeastern’s additional campuses, including Toronto, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, New York City, Oakland, Nahant, and Burlington, offer specialized programs ranging from software engineering, AI, and analytics to marine and environmental research, corporate education, and experiential learning opportunities. These campuses provide global exposure, industry connections, and unique research experiences for students. 

Simplify your Northeastern University application process, book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s expert advisors today! 

Now, let's look at the university's admission criteria. 

To apply to Northeastern University, submit your application through either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Make sure to provide all required materials, including transcripts, test scores (if applicable), and other documents requested. 

After submitting the application, you will get a confirmation email, which can be used to check your application status throughout the review process. 

Admission Requirements 

Standardized test scores are optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle but can enhance an application. Additionally, non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English tests. 

Here’s a look at the different admission requirements for Northeastern University. 

Academic Qualification: 

Language Proficiency: 

Competitive Exams: 

The above criteria generally apply to different programs at Northeastern University. For program-specific requirements, check out the Northeastern University Admissions page.

Admission Dates and Deadlines 

Northeastern University’s admissions process starts with Early Decision in November. The Early Decision deadline usually falls in early November. Regular Decision applications are due by January 1st, with decisions typically released in March. 

Here’s a look at the international application deadlines for Northeastern University. 

Please note that Early Decision I and II are binding agreements, meaning that if admitted, you are committed to attending Northeastern and must withdraw applications from other institutions. 

Now that you've covered the admissions requirements for Northeastern University, let's take a closer look at the wide range of academic programs offered here. 

Understanding the total cost, tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance helps students choose which universities fit their budget. 

Here’s a look at tuition fees for different streams at Northeastern University. 

Note: INR conversions are approximate and based on the exchange rate at the time of writing.  

For undergraduate students, the estimated total cost of attendance for the 2025-2026 academic year is approximately $90,250 (INR 77L), which includes tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, and other indirect costs.  

Graduate program tuition fees vary by program and are typically calculated on a per-credit-hour basis. For instance, the per-credit-hour rate for graduate courses is approximately $2,031 (INR 1.7L). 

Apart from tuition fees, students must also consider the cost of living, which includes the cost of food, housing and other personal needs.  

Living in urban regions like New York tends to be more expensive than suburban areas like New Jersey, primarily due to higher housing costs. However, students in suburban areas must also factor in transportation costs to commute to the university. 

Here’s a look at the additional costs involved at Northeastern University. 

While the cost of attending Northeastern University can be significant, various scholarship opportunities are available to help ease the financial burden. 

Northeastern University offers a diverse range of scholarships for the 2025 academic year, catering to both domestic and international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and community engagement, providing financial support to help students achieve their educational goals. 

Below is an overview of the key scholarship opportunities available:

Internal Scholarships 

Universities usually provide internal scholarships through grants and sponsorships. Northeastern University offers scholarships like Dean’s scholarship and Stamps scholarship for meritorious students. 

External Scholarships 

Indian students studying at Northeastern University can apply for the Fulbright-Nehru and Tata scholarships, which cover tuition fees and other associated costs. 

With a clear understanding of tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship opportunities, it’s important to look at Northeastern University beyond the classroom. Let’s take a closer look at placement opportunities for students. 

Northeastern University’s Career Development Office offers personalized services, including resume building, interview preparation, career fairs, and job search resources.  

Northeastern University graduates are highly sought after by employers and graduate programs alike. Within nine months of graduation, 97% of Northeastern undergraduates are either employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school.  

The university has impressive placement performance, such as:- 

• 82.8% are employed full-time 
• 13.3% are enrolled in graduate school 
• 3.8% are actively seeking employment or have chosen entrepreneurship. 

These outcomes reflect the university's commitment to providing students with real-world experience and a strong academic foundation.  

Additionally, Northeastern's emphasis on experiential learning, including co-ops, internships, and global experiences, equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's competitive job market.  

Top hiring partners of the university include BioNTech, Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, and Deloitte, and many more indicating the university’s strong industry connections. 

Top Recruiters 

Students from Northeastern University find job opportunities in diverse fields, from tech giants like Google to startups like (Co)Action Lab. 

Here are some top recruiters at Northeastern University. 

• BioNTech: Primarily hires students from Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, and Medicine fields, focusing on research, vaccine development, and biotechnology. 
• Amazon: Hires students from Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Logistics backgrounds for roles in software development and supply chain management. 
• Adobe: Hires students are Software Engineering, Design, and Multimedia Arts, choosing for roles in software development and product innovation. 
• Cisco Systems: Hires from Networking and Business fields for network solutions, sales, and software development roles. 
• 20th Century Fox: Primarily targets students in Film, Media Studies, Business, and Communications. Hires for roles in media production, marketing, and distribution. 
• (Co)Action Lab: Targets Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering streams. Ideal for those interested in social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovative solutions. 

After exploring the top recruiters at Northeastern University, let's now compare Northeastern University with its competitors. 

Famous student clubs include NU Entrepreneurs, The Business Society, and The Northeastern University Debate Society. In addition, sports such as ice hockey and rugby are promoted on the campus. 

With extracurricular involvement like sports, student clubs, and cultural events, Northeastern University ensures students grow holistically. Now, let’s explore how the university prepares students for success after graduation. 

Northeastern University’s alumni network includes influential figures like J.J. Barea, a former NBA player, and Richard Egan, co-founder of EMC Corporation. 

Here are some notable alumni of Northeastern University.