Northeastern University: An Overview

Rankings like QS and THE help evaluate factors such as faculty quality, research output, employer recognition, and international diversity. They serve as a reliable benchmark for comparing institutions globally and identifying top-tier universities in specific fields.

The QS World Rankings and THE Rankings have both placed Northeastern University among the top 400 universities globally. According to U.S. News rankings, it holds the 54th position nationally.

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 that you've explored Northeastern University's rankings in three credible sources, 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.

Northeastern University offers 200+ programs at the undergraduate (BA, BS), master’s (MA), and PhD levels across disciplines such as engineering, business, arts, and humanities.

Apart from standard programs in STEM (civil engineering, biochemistry, mathematics), Northeastern University offers programs in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence.

Here are some popular courses offered in these streams.

Intakes in Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers multiple intakes throughout the year for both undergraduate and graduate programs, providing flexibility for students to commence their studies at various times. The primary intakes are as follows:​

Undergraduate Intakes

• Fall Intake (September): This is the main intake, with application deadlines typically in early January.
• Spring Intake (January): A secondary intake option, with application deadlines usually in early November. ​
• Summer Intake (May): Available for select programs, with application deadlines varying by program. ​

Graduate Intakes

• Fall Intake (September): Most graduate programs admit students for the fall term, with application deadlines ranging from December to August, depending on the program. ​
• Spring Intake (January): Some programs offer a spring intake, with deadlines typically in the preceding fall. ​
• Summer Intake (May): Limited programs may offer summer admission; deadlines vary accordingly. ​

It's important to note that application deadlines and availability of intakes can vary by program and applicant type (e.g., domestic, international). Prospective students should consult the specific program's admissions page for detailed information.

Now, let’s explore the tuition fees and financial aid options for students at Northeastern.

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

Students must note that about 40-50% of their total budget may go toward living expenses, which include housing, food, transportation, and other essentials.

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 2024–2025 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.

Northeastern University Vs Arizona State University Vs Saint Louis University

Comparing similar universities helps prospective students make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, the best courses offered, and potential career outcomes. 

Here’s a comparison of Northeastern University with similar ones like Arizona State University and Saint Louis University.

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and popular courses with similar universities, let's look at campus student life.

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.

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 campuses of Northeastern University:

• Boston (Main Campus)

This is the flagship campus of the University and offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, engineering, computer science, law, and health sciences. It has close proximity to educational (Harvard University) , tech, and healthcare hubs in the U.S.

• Silicon Valley

This campus, located in San Jose, focuses primarily on technology, data science, and entrepreneurship. It offers access to the latest research, resources, and internships in Silicon Valley.

• Charlotte

This North Carolina campus offers a range of business-oriented programs, particularly in finance, marketing, and management. Charlotte is a business hub, especially for finance and banking, providing students with plenty of networking opportunities.

• Vancouver

The Vancouver campus offers graduate programs in areas such as data science, engineering, and business administration. Vancouver’s proximity to major industries and its multicultural environment enrich the student experience.

• London

The London campus offers graduate programs in business, technology, and data science. London, a global hub, provides students with access to top industries and entrepreneurial opportunities.

• Toronto

This campus specializes in graduate programs in data science, business, and information technology. Proximity to a growing number of startups, multinational companies, and research institutions offers students plenty of opportunities for internships and networking. 

• Seattle

This campus offers technology and data-driven programs, particularly in fields like software engineering, AI, and business analytics. Seattle is home to major tech companies such as Microsoft and Boeing, offering students direct access to some of the world’s leading innovation labs. 

• Portland

Portland offers excellent quality of life and strong healthcare and research sectors. The campus benefits from experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and community-based research projects. 

• San Francisco

It focuses on programs related to business, technology, and entrepreneurship. The city’s position as a global leader in innovation and technology makes it an ideal place for students interested in tech-driven careers. 

• New York City

The New York City campus gives students direct access to industry leaders in media, finance, technology, and entertainment. Students get internships, co-ops, and networking opportunities with companies in the area.

• Oakland

The Bay Area campus is host to Mills Institute. It allows students to engage in education and research shaped by the vibrant community of entrepreneurship, Big Tech, and social impact. 

• Nahant 

Nahant is part of Northeastern’s Marine Science Center, focusing on ocean and environmental research. It serves as a research facility rather than a student campus for general programs.

• Burlington

Burlington offers Corporate and Continuing Education programs. It serves as a center for professionals looking to upskill, offering flexible programs in business, management, and other fields. 

Simplify your Northeastern University application process — book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s expert advisors today! Receive tailored support on admissions, scholarships, and career planning to confidently pursue your academic journey.​

After a brief overview of the different campuses of Northeastern University, let’s check out its rankings.