Northeastern University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Northeastern, test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant. With SAT submitters clustered around 1450 to 1520, aim for the upper end of that range, or a 33 to 35 ACT, so your scores add clear strength rather than simply meeting the bar.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northeastern University facts and stats
Northeastern University enrolls 22,695 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Northeastern has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 91% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
Boston, MA
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Key Northeastern University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Northeastern, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes or superscore improvement. Because Northeastern’s Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are November 1, aim for the October SAT or September ACT as the last test date likely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Northeastern is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $66,162. About 50% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $16,112. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Northeastern’s listed cost for tuition, fees, room, and board is $87,262. About 50% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $60,416, and merit awards average $16,112 for recipients. For broader context, graduates leave with an average debt of $32,461.
Student life at Northeastern University
57% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 5% of men join fraternities, and 9% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Cambridge College Global
Boston, MAAmerican International College
Springfield, MAAcceptance rate: 99.6%
Amherst College
Amherst, MAAcceptance rate: 9%
SAT: 1500–1560
ACT: 33–35
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MAAcceptance rate: 50.1%
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