Students at Northeastern University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the very best in the country for career outcomes.
Graduates consistently reach the top tier nationally for both overall earnings and financial success among low-income students who gain access.
Northeastern University ranks among the top private institutions nationwide for long-term earnings outcomes, placing in the 98th percentile for return on investment. What distinguishes Northeastern is its ability to consistently deliver exceptional career results across a wide range of programs, with graduates earning a median of $92,538 ten years after enrollment. The university combines academic rigor with extensive co-op programs and industry partnerships that translate directly into strong employment outcomes and salary growth.
Northeastern serves a more selective student population, with about 12% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 19% being first-generation college students. Despite this more advantaged student body, the university delivers remarkable value through its focus on experiential learning and career preparation. The institution's location in Boston, combined with its global co-op network, provides students with unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities in technology, finance, healthcare, and consulting.
As a large private research university, Northeastern has built a reputation for innovation in higher education, particularly through its cooperative education model that integrates classroom learning with real-world work experience. This approach helps explain why graduates consistently outperform national earnings expectations and why the university maintains such strong connections with employers across multiple industries.
Northeastern University's program portfolio reflects its focus on career-oriented fields with strong earning potential and extensive industry connections. Business majors represent the largest cohort with 939 graduates earning a median of $63,111, benefiting from the university's extensive alumni networks in finance, consulting, and technology sectors. The program's scale creates substantial employer recruitment opportunities and networking advantages that extend well beyond graduation.
Technology and engineering programs deliver some of the highest earnings outcomes in the country. Computer Engineering graduates earn approximately $89,564, while Artificial Intelligence majors command around $89,413, both reflecting Northeastern's strength in cutting-edge technical fields. These programs benefit directly from the university's co-op partnerships with leading technology companies, providing students with hands-on experience and direct pathways to high-paying careers.
Even programs with more moderate earnings serve specific career pathways effectively. Biopsychology graduates, earning around $37,208, typically pursue advanced degrees or specialized roles in research and healthcare. Northeastern's comprehensive program mix, combined with its experiential learning model, ensures that students across disciplines gain practical experience and professional connections that translate into strong career outcomes and long-term earning potential.
Northeastern University delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. With median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, graduates significantly outperform national averages and rank in the 98th percentile for earnings among all institutions. The university's emphasis on experiential learning through co-op programs creates a direct pipeline to high-paying careers, with many students securing full-time offers from their co-op employers before graduation.
Program-level outcomes reflect Northeastern's strength in high-demand fields. Computer Engineering graduates earn approximately $89,564 early in their careers, while Artificial Intelligence majors command around $89,413, both representing some of the highest-earning programs in the country. Business majors, the university's largest program with 939 graduates, earn a solid $63,111 and benefit from extensive alumni networks in finance, consulting, and technology sectors. Even programs with more moderate earnings, such as Biopsychology at $37,208, provide strong preparation for graduate school and specialized career paths.
The university's location in Boston, a major hub for technology, healthcare, and financial services, provides graduates with access to some of the nation's most competitive job markets. Northeastern's extensive co-op network, spanning over 3,000 employers worldwide, ensures that students graduate with both academic credentials and substantial professional experience, contributing to the institution's consistently strong earnings outcomes and career advancement opportunities.
Affordability at Northeastern University varies significantly by family income, reflecting the institution's high sticker price but substantial financial aid for lower-income students. Low-income families pay approximately $5,900 annually after aid, an exceptionally affordable rate that makes the university accessible to Pell-eligible students despite its private status. Middle-income families face moderate costs around $10,482 per year, while high-income families pay the full premium at $51,753 annually.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses resources on students with the greatest need, creating a two-tier affordability structure. For families who qualify for significant aid, Northeastern represents outstanding value given its career outcomes and earning potential. However, families who don't qualify for substantial aid face considerable costs that require careful financial planning and often significant borrowing through both federal and private loan programs.
Debt levels reflect this pricing structure, with typical graduates carrying $24,250 in federal student loans and families borrowing an additional $28,442 through Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts are substantial, Northeastern's strong earnings outcomes help graduates manage repayment effectively. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally succeed in meeting their loan obligations despite higher debt levels than many public institutions.
Northeastern University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
