How to Get Accepted to Northeastern University

Is Northeastern an Ivy League School?

Northeastern University is not part of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is an athletic conference consisting of eight private institutions in the Northeastern United States

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for Northeastern University

Application Process for Northeastern University

Here are the general steps to apply to Northeastern:

• Start your application using either The Common Application or the Coalition Application; both are accepted.
• Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee.
• Forward your official high school transcripts.
• Optionally provide SAT or ACT scores. Note that for the 2024-2025 academic year, Northeastern has adopted a test-optional policy and standardized test scores are not required for admission consideration.
• Include two letters of recommendation, ideally from teachers or academic counselors.
• Submit a personal essay or statement.

Remember that these are general guidelines and specific programs may have additional requirements.

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for Northeastern University

For the 2022-2023 application period, Northeastern University has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not mandatory for admission. However, if you opt to submit scores, the university accepts either the SAT or ACT and will focus on your highest score from either test. Northeastern also employs a superscoring method, combining the best section scores from multiple test sittings to form a new, higher composite score. Taking the test multiple times could therefore be advantageous for your application.

While undergraduate applicants may benefit from the test-optional policy, certain graduate programs might still require scores from exams such as the GRE or GMAT. Additionally, if English is not your native language, you’ll need to submit official scores from an approved English Language Test or apply for a waiver.

Admission statistics indicate that half of the students accepted to Northeastern score between 1430 and 1550 on the SAT or earn an ACT score between 33 and 35.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Northeastern University

Northeastern University provides a wide array of financial support opportunities, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The typical financial aid package for students is approximately $55,160, with 77% of the student body receiving some kind of aid. The average amount provided in scholarships or grants is around $35,456.

In addition to need-based aid, the university also bestows merit-based scholarships, including the notable Dean’s Scholarship, which offers up to $28,000 per year. Students may also qualify for micro-scholarships, with potential earnings of up to $20,000 annually.

Additional forms of financial assistance at Northeastern are broken down as follows:

• Federal Grant Aid: $6,978
• State Grant Aid: $3,079
• Institutional Grant Aid: $34,588
• Pell Grant: $5,544
• State/Local Government Grants or Scholarships: $2,453

On average, students graduate with a debt of around $32,559.

Top Undergraduate Programs at Northeastern University