Northeastern University acceptance rates for 2024 and previous years provide a vital perspective on the evolving competitiveness of admissions. By analyzing these trends, prospective students can gauge the difficulty of gaining entry and strategize their application processes accordingly. This data also reflects broader educational and demographic shifts influencing higher education access.
Northeastern University Acceptance Rate
Northeastern University’s acceptance rate has seen a significant decline over the past several years. In 2016-2017, the acceptance rate was 28.9%. This dropped to 27.4% in 2017-2018, further plummeting to 19.3% in 2018-2019. By 2019-2020, the acceptance rate was 18.1%, and for 2020-2021, it remained relatively stable at 18%.
Northeastern University Transfer Acceptance Rate
Northeastern University has seen a fluctuating transfer acceptance rate over the past few years. For the fall of 2024, the transfer acceptance rate is approximately 30.3%, with 3,644 applicants and 1,105 acceptances. This rate is consistent with the fall of 2022 when the rate was also 30.3% with a similar number of applications and acceptances. In 2021, the rate was notably lower at 20.4% with 662 acceptances out of 3,248 applicants.
How to Get into Northeastern University
1. Understand Admission Requirements
High School Transcript: Submit your high school transcript showing a rigorous curriculum, including AP, IB, or honors courses if available.
Standardized Test Scores: SAT or ACT scores are optional through 2026, but submitting strong scores can enhance your application.
Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two letters are required – one from a teacher and one from a school counselor.
Personal Statement and Essays: Write compelling essays that reflect your personality, achievements, and aspirations.
Extracurricular Activities: Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and other significant experiences.
2. Application Deadlines
Freshman Applicants: Regular decision deadline is typically January 1, with early decision deadlines in November.
Transfer Applicants: The application opens in January and must be submitted by April 1. Decisions are usually made by June 15.
3. Crafting a Strong Application
Academic Excellence:
High GPA: Aim for a high GPA, particularly in challenging courses.
Test Scores (if submitted): While optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can bolster your application.
Personal Statement and Essays:
Authenticity: Be authentic and reflective in your essays, showcasing your unique experiences and perspectives.
Alignment with Northeastern: Demonstrate how you align with Northeastern’s values and how you plan to leverage its opportunities.
Extracurricular Involvement:
Leadership and Impact: Highlight leadership roles and their impact on your extracurricular activities.
Diverse Interests: Showcase a range of interests and activities, indicating a well-rounded personality.
Northeastern University Percentage Rate
Here is the statistical data about Northeastern University’s acceptance rates for the years 2017 to 2024 in table format:
| Year | Acceptance Rate (Freshman) | Transfer Acceptance Rate |
| 2017 | 28.9% | 26.1% |
| 2018 | 27.4% | 31.1% |
| 2019 | 19.3% | 16.1% |
| 2020 | 18.1% | 48.4% |
| 2021 | 18.0% | 20.4% |
| 2022 | 6.7% | 30.3% |
| 2023 | 6.7% | 30.3% |
| 2024 | 5.6% | 30.3% |
How Many Students Get Accepted to Boston University?
Here is the data on how many students were accepted to Northeastern University for 2024 and previous years:
Freshman Admissions
| Year | Applications | Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
| 2024 | ~98,000 | ~5,500 | 5.6% |
| 2023 | ~96,000 | ~6,500 | 6.7% |
| 2022 | ~91,000 | ~6,097 | 6.7% |
| 2021 | ~75,000 | ~13,500 | 18.0% |
| 2020 | ~64,000 | ~11,584 | 18.1% |
| 2019 | ~62,272 | ~12,000 | 19.3% |
| 2018 | ~62,263 | ~17,000 | 27.4% |
| 2017 | ~50,000 | ~14,450 | 28.9% |
Transfer Admissions
| Year | Applications | Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
| 2024 | ~3,644 | ~1,105 | 30.3% |
| 2023 | ~3,644 | ~1,105 | 30.3% |
| 2022 | ~3,644 | ~1,105 | 30.3% |
| 2021 | ~3,248 | ~662 | 20.4% |
| 2020 | ~2,850 | ~1,380 | 48.4% |
| 2019 | ~3,538 | ~1,101 | 31.1% |
| 2018 | ~3,310 | ~1,030 | 31.1% |
| 2017 | ~3,000 | ~783 | 26.1% |
Northeastern College Acceptance Rate
Northeastern University’s acceptance rate has become increasingly competitive over the years. For the 2024 admissions cycle, the acceptance rate was a mere 5.6%, a significant drop from previous years which saw rates of 6.7% in both 2022 and 2023, and around 18% in 2021. This decline reflects Northeastern’s rising popularity and the increasing number of applications it receives, which surpassed 98,000 for the 2024 cycle. The transfer acceptance rate has been more variable, with recent years showing around 30.3% in 2024, 2023, and 2022, compared to 20.4% in 2021 and 48.4% in 2020.
Northeastern University Admission Rate
Here is a detail of How many people get into Northeastern each year
Northeastern University SAT/ACT Score Requirements
Northeastern University has adapted its standardized testing requirements over the years, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a summary of the SAT and ACT score requirements and ranges for admitted students in recent years:
SAT Score Requirements (Middle 50% Range)
| Year | SAT Composite | SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | SAT Math |
| 2024 | 1480-1550 | 720-770 | 740-790 |
| 2023 | 1480-1550 | 720-770 | 740-790 |
| 2022 | 1470-1550 | 710-770 | 740-790 |
| 2021 | 1460-1540 | 710-770 | 740-790 |
| 2020 | 1440-1520 | 700-760 | 740-780 |
ACT Score Requirements (Middle 50% Range)
| Year | ACT Composite |
| 2024 | 34-36 |
| 2023 | 34-36 |
| 2022 | 34-35 |
| 2021 | 33-35 |
| 2020 | 33-35 |
Northeastern University GPA Requirement
Northeastern University typically requires a competitive GPA for admission, with the average GPA of admitted students often ranging between 4.0 and 4.4 on a 4.0 scale. This indicates a strong academic performance, generally meaning students should have mostly A’s and some high B’s. However, Northeastern’s admissions process is holistic, so they also consider other factors such as standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations in their evaluation.
Final Verdict
Northeastern University has a relatively low acceptance rate, reflecting its competitive admissions process. For recent years, the acceptance rate has hovered around 6% to 8%, making it one of the more selective institutions. This low rate is due to the high number of applications received compared to the number of available spots, as well as the university’s rigorous academic standards. Prospective students are encouraged to present a strong application profile, including high academic achievements, compelling essays, and notable extracurricular involvement, to enhance their chances of admission.
FAQs
What is the current acceptance rate at Northeastern University?
The acceptance rate at Northeastern University is typically between 6% and 8%, but it can vary slightly each year based on the number of applications and available spots.
How can I improve my chances of being admitted to Northeastern University?
To improve your chances, focus on maintaining a high GPA, excelling in standardized tests (if required), and building a strong application profile that includes compelling essays, meaningful extracurricular activities, and notable achievements.
Does Northeastern University consider early decision or early action applications?
Yes, Northeastern offers both Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) options. Early Decision is binding, meaning if you are accepted, you must attend Northeastern. Early Action is non-binding, allowing you to apply to other schools and make a final decision later.