Northeastern University Featured Image
  Universities  United States  Northeastern University
Northeastern University Logo

Northeastern University

Boston, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 30,984
  • Tuition Fee From$ 15,300
  • Country Rank#84
  • Batch Strength20,910
  • Global Diversity36%
  • Gender Ratio51 : 49

Overview

About

Northeastern University, established in 1898 is a premier, nonprofit research institution with a focus on hands-on learning. The institution combines its academic programmes with alternatives for professional practice, research, service, and international learning in 128 countries. Northeastern was established on the novel notion that students' academic experience would be enhanced by opportunities for work experience in their field of study and that an institution could best serve its students and foster innovation by working closely with its community through partnerships with businesses. About 18,000 undergraduate students and more than 7,000 graduate students are currently enrolled at the university.

 

The university has campuses in London (UK), San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto. The institution provides classes in a number of disciplines, including engineering, business, marketing, and management. Their MBA and MSc in Computer Science programmes are among the top in the world. NU is renowned for its student-centred environment, small class sizes, and individual attention to each student. The university offers eight multidisciplinary research institutes committed to sustainability, security, and global health. There are 1,000 full-time faculty members, eminent academics, and researchers working across various research institutes who create international research collaborations.

 

Due to its vibrant and lush surroundings, this university has twice received the title of "most beautiful new or renovated exterior space" since the 1990s. Because there are many security and law enforcement personnel on campus, it is highly safe for students. As they continually push the students outside their comfort zones to attain the best in life, the faculty at this college is very creative and innovative. Professors and students do in-depth studies to identify innovative procedures and methods that will satisfy social demands.

 

Northeastern University's Employer Engagement and Career Design programme helps students network with other students, expand their talent pool, and find people who can meet their job needs. The institution collaborates with a number of other colleges, including Tufts, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hebrew College. The Affective Science Institute (ASI) and Advanced Scientific Computation Center (ASCC) are among a few of the university’s research facilities. Between 2006 and 2019, NU’s academic staff and students received 308 patents.

Ranking

Northeastern University, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional campuses across the United States and Canada, is a pioneer in higher education renowned for its innovative approach to learning. The university is particularly distinguished by its co-op programme, which integrates classroom study with real-world experience, preparing students for successful careers in fields such as computer science, engineering, business, and health sciences. This experiential learning model, coupled with strong industry partnerships, has solidified Northeastern's reputation for producing highly employable graduates. In terms of rankings, the QS World University Rankings for 2025 place Northeastern at 396th globally, showing a slight decline from its 375th position in 2024 and 388th in 2023. The 2024 US News & World Report rankings situate Northeastern at 53rd among National Universities, down from 44th in 2023 and 49th in 2022. However, in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Northeastern holds the 168th position globally and is counted among the top 100 universities in the USA. These rankings reflect Northeastern's continued prominence in higher education, despite some fluctuations in recent years.

 

Northeastern University - QS Ranking 2025

According to the QS Ranking 2025, Northeastern University is ranked 396th, a decline from its previous positions of 375th in 2024 and 388th in 2023. The following table illustrates Northeastern University's QS World University Rankings over recent years.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

World University

388

375

396

 

Northeastern University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

In the 2024 US News & World Report rankings, Northeastern University is ranked 53rd among National Universities, a drop from 44th in 2023 and 49th in 2022. However, it does not appear in the Global Universities rankings for 2024, where it was previously ranked 194th in 2023 and 176th in 2022.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

176

194

-

National University

49

44

53

 

Northeastern University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

According to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, Northeastern University is ranked 168th globally. Within the USA, THE places Northeastern among the top 100 universities. Currently, Northeastern is ranked between 201 and 205 in the USA by THE for 2024. The following table shows Northeastern University's world rankings over the past few years:

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

168

168

201-250

 

Learn More About: Northeastern University’s Admission

 

Northeastern University - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Biological Sciences

301

301

-

Communication and Media Studies

151

201

-

Engineering and Technology

265

264

-

Global MBA

141

151

-

Law and Legal Studies

301

301

-

Masters in Supply Chain Management

24

27

-

Mathematics

301

301

-

Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

301

301

-

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151

201

-

Physics and Astronomy

301

251

-

Sociology

-

301

-

 

Northeastern University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Best Graduate Law Schools

67

73

71

Best Graduate Nursing Schools

71

86

78

Biomedical Engineering PG

40

45

43

Chemical Engineering PG

46

48

47

Civil Engineering PG

34

30

29

Computer Engineering PG

37

33

36

Electrical Engineering PG

37

38

36

Entrepreneurship MBA

30

-

27

Graduate Business School

55

85

81

Mechanical Engineering PG

46

41

41

UG Business

64

51

47

 

Northeastern University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

301

251

251

Clinical and Health

101

126

176

Engineering

126

151

151

Law

71

98

90

Life Sciences

201

201

201

PG Business and Economics

151

201

151

PG Computer Science

101

101

92

Psychology

176

176

126

 

Course Rankings

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - UG Business

64

51

47

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Law and Legal Studies

-

301

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

44

40

26

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Law Schools

-

67

73

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

71

98

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Sociology

-

301

-

QS - Communication and Media Studies

-

151

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

101

101

101

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76

51

51

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

301

251

 

Learn More About: Northeastern University’s Courses

MBA/PGDM

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

FT (Financial Times) - GMBA

-

-

78

QS - Global MBA

-

131

141

US News & World Report - Entrepreneurship MBA

-

30

-

US News & World Report - Graduate Business School

-

55

85

Bloomberg - Best Business School USA

61

67

65

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

22

24

27

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

151

201

151

 

MS

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

201

301

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

-

151

151

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

-

251

301

QS - Mathematics

-

201

301

QS - Biological Sciences

-

251

301

QS - Engineering and Technology

-

247

265

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

151

201

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

201

US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG

-

37

33

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

-

37

38

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

-

46

41

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

201

201

US News & World Report - Civil Engineering PG

-

34

30

US News & World Report - Chemical Engineering PG

-

46

48

US News & World Report - Biomedical Engineering PG

-

40

45

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

-

126

151

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

101

101

 

MSN

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

201

201

201

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Nursing Schools

-

71

86

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

176

176

126

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

101

126

176

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

301

251

251

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

FT (Financial Times) - GMBA

-

-

78

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

-

22

24

US News & World Report - UG Business

-

64

51

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

-

151

201

QS - Global MBA

-

131

141

US News & World Report - Entrepreneurship MBA

-

30

-

US News & World Report - Graduate Business School

-

55

85

Bloomberg - Best Business School USA

61

67

65

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

251

301

301

QS - Engineering and Technology

247

265

264

US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG

37

33

36

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

37

38

36

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

46

41

41

US News & World Report - Civil Engineering PG

34

30

29

US News & World Report - Chemical Engineering PG

46

48

47

US News & World Report - Biomedical Engineering PG

40

45

43

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

126

151

151

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

101

101

92

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Sociology

-

301

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

101

101

101

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76

51

51

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

176

176

 

Law

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Law and Legal Studies

-

301

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

44

40

26

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Law Schools

-

67

73

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

71

98

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Communication and Media Studies

151

151

201

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151

151

201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

101

126

176

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

201

201

201

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Nursing Schools

-

71

86

 

Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

201

301

QS - Mathematics

-

201

301

QS - Biological Sciences

-

251

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

151

201

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

201

201

 

Biology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Biological Sciences

251

301

301

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

201

201

201

 

Biomedical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Biomedical Engineering PG

40

45

43

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

151

201

151

 

Chemical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Chemical Engineering PG

46

48

47

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Civil Engineering PG

34

30

29

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

101

101

92

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

37

38

36

 

Entrepreneurship

Ranked by

2022

2024

US News & World Report - Entrepreneurship MBA

30

27

 

Mathematics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Mathematics

-

201

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

151

201

151

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

251

301

301

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

46

41

41

 

Physics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

201

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

201

 

Supply Chain

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Masters in Supply Chain Management

22

24

27

 

Pharmacy

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151

151

201

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

101

101

101

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

176

176

126

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Sociology

-

301

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76

51

51

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#396

#227

2023

#388

#194

2022

#342

#194

Facilities

The university's main campus is located between Tremont and Washington Streets, and a South Campus is located on Columbus Avenue. The campus has a lot of greenery and beautiful buildings, so even though it is in a busy area of the city, it manages to maintain its serenity and beauty. It is considered one of the safest university campuses in the US. The main campus is a major attraction in the cultural area thanks to the public libraries, conservatories, museums, art galleries, theatres, and music halls that are located around it. With 18 varsity sports, 43 club sports, and 32 intramural sports available, NU has a long history in athletics. These teams compete under the name Northeastern Huskies. The following are some of the other Northeastern University facilities that students most frequently use:

 

  • Athletics
  • Career Services
  • Dining Services
  • Intramurals Sports
  • Student Affairs
  • Student Engagement
  • Student Organizations
  • Health Services
  • Student Leadership Development

Notable Alumni

Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
American Writer
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
American Writer
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
American Writer
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
American Writer
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
American Writer
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams
American Writer

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The Northeasatern University acceptance rate stands at 18% which indicates that the institution is quite selective with its applicants. Apart from the SAT and ACT scores, Northeastern also considers factors such as the applicant’s GPA, their high-school class rank, recommendation letters, and more. Early action & early decision applicants have a fairly higher chance of getting accepted to the university when compared to the regular decision applicants. Ensuring that the application stands out or is at par with other candidates is important for a student to get admitted to Northeastern University.

 

Learn More About: Northeasatern University Acceptance Rate

 

Northeastern University Entry Requirements

Admission to the university is quite competitive. Northeastern University's acceptance rate stands at 18%. Overseas students seeking admission to NU should visit the university's website for entry prerequisites specific to their programme of study. Northeastern University entry requirements differ depending on a variety of criteria such as course type, course complexities, the applicant's country of origin, and more. Because the university is highly selective, having a good SAT/ACT score and GPA is essential for admission. Here are some of the admission criteria that students should consider while completing their application form -
 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements -

  • Official Academic Transcripts with an average GPA of at least 3.69
  • Standardised Test Scores - GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT
  • Letter (s) of Recommendation
  • SOP
  • Supplement Essays
  • A Portfolio (could comprise audio/video recordings, work portfolio, extracurricular activities etc)
  • Resume/CV if applicable
  • Financial Documents

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

  • A relevant bachelor’s degree
  • Exams applicable to Study in the USA
  • Resume/CV along with relevant work experience
  • SOP
  • LORs
  • Additional course requirements
  • Fee Waiver Form (if applicable)
  • English Language Proficiency Scores (applicants have to meet the minimum score requirements as specified on the university webpage)

 

Northeastern University Fees

NU has one of the biggest international student communities in the United States and offers resources, support, and counselling to overseas students as they embark on their academic path. The institution does not demand direct fees for indirect charges such as books, personal expenses, transportation, and living allowance. They are, nevertheless, part of the entire cost of attendance and are significant when evaluating Northeastern University fees. Here is a list of some of the most popular courses at NU, along with their associated fees:

 

  • MS - $ 21.74K to 56.35K
  • MIM - $ 27.02K to 49.2K
  • MEM - $ 30.4K
  • MBA/PGDM - $ 45.1K
  • B.E./B.Tech - $ 54.36K to 56.5K
  • BBA - $ 56.5K
  • B.Sc. - $ 56.5K
  • M.A. - $ 18.75K to 45K 
  • M.Arch - $ 49.8K
  • MFA - $ 51.54K

 

Placements

The Hallmark co-op programme at NU prepares students for four to six-month jobs in the United States. Working professional students can participate in a virtual work-based project through XN Network. Academic counselling is increasingly being combined with career coaching so that students may receive strong academic and career assistance at the same time. Northeastern University placements guarantee that students earn an outstanding ROI that is on a level with or more than the average incomes of most of the best colleges in the United States. Approximately 80% of NU graduates are recruited within 9 months of graduation. 

The highest average annual pay given to Northeastern graduates is $133,000, which is greater than the average salary offered by most universities across the country. Doctoral students at Northeastern earn an average annual income of $120,000.

 

Northeastern University English Proficiency Requirements

Home to one of the largest international communities in the world, Northeastern comprises around 20,000 overseas students from over 147 countries. At the university, all freshmen and transfer applicants, regardless of their citizenship, must satisfy the minimum Northeastern University IELTS requirements or any other test requirements that are applicable. Applicants may, however, be eligible for a waiver based on their academic environment & the primary language of instruction in their high school/university. The minimum required scores to get into the university are as follows -

 

Test

Minimum Score 

TOEFL iBT

100

IELTS

7.0

PTE

68

Scholarship

Given below are some of the scholarships at Northeastern University, you can apply for: 

 

Scholarship Names

Eligibility

Award 

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship

First class undergraduate degree candidate.

USD 1,00,000

Fulbright Masters Nehru Scholarships 

Minimum 50% or higher in an UG 

Varies

National Overseas Scholarship

Total Family Income should not exceed INR 6,00,000

USD 15,400

Mahindra Finance KCMET Scholarship

For girl from disadvantaged background

Variable

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Northeastern University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near NU, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Boston is a city full of culture, variety, and recreational opportunities. Students & residents can maintain contact with the broader Northeastern community from Boston. Rent may be the most expensive expenditure for upper-class students, graduate students, and scholars looking for an off-campus residence in Boston (apart from tuition). The cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts is greater than in most other cities in the United States. However, one may always prepare ahead of time and save money. Aside from student housing, a student may incur a variety of extra living expenditures. The table below shows the monthly living expenses for an international student in Massachusetts.

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$ 645

On-Campus Accommodation

$ 600

Transportation

$ 90

Food Cost

$ 600

Utility Cost

$ 137

Entertainment

$ 54

Groceries

$ 137

Clothes

$ 41

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$ 1614

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$ 1569

FAQs