At this level of selectivity, academic qualifications alone rarely determine outcomes. Holistic factors and institutional priorities play significant roles.
5.2%
Acceptance Rate
Peer average: 78%
🎯
Most Selective (<10%)
What Are My Chances?
A directional estimate — not a prediction
SAT Total Score Distribution
Enrolled students
Peers
40080012001600
1,440
25th Percentile
1,497
Median
1,540
75th Percentile
Peer average SAT: 1,190(+307 vs peers)
ACT Composite Score Distribution
Enrolled students
1122436
33
25th Percentile
34
Median
35
75th Percentile
Important: Test scores are just one factor. Admissions decisions reflect institutional priorities, essays, recommendations, and factors we cannot measure. Use this as directional guidance, not a prediction.
Who Attends — and Succeeds
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Student Demographics
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
19%
💰
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students (federal aid)
12%
Transfer Students
Alternative pathway to enrollment
39%
These metrics reflect institutional priorities around access and economic diversity, which inform admissions decisions beyond academic qualifications.
Student Success
Schools to Consider
Compare Northeastern University with similar schools across different dimensions — location, selectivity, outcomes, and affordability.
📍
Nearby Alternatives
5 schools
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northeastern University Admissions
While Northeastern University does not publish minimum GPA requirements, admitted students at highly selective schools like Northeastern typically have nearly perfect GPAs (3.9+) along with exceptional extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.
Northeastern University reports standardized test score data, suggesting tests are considered in admissions. Students who submit SAT scores typically have scores between 1440 and 1540. ACT scores range from 33 to 35. Check Northeastern's website for current testing requirements, as policies may change.
Admission to Northeastern University is considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 5%, roughly 1 in 19 applicants receives an offer. This indicates extremely high competition for spots.
Northeastern University uses holistic review, considering academics, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
If Northeastern is a reach, consider Bryant University (66% acceptance), Bryant University (66% acceptance), Providence College (49% acceptance). These schools offer similar outcomes with higher acceptance rates.
