Northeastern University Tuition and Fees

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 05/2023)

Total Cost of Attendance

Northeastern University is known for its Cooperative Education Program, which combines classroom learning and experiences to prepare students for careers in many fields. But access to this co-op style of learning doesn’t come cheap: in 2022-23, Northeastern University tuition was $60,192. Contrast this against the average cost of tuition for a private four-year institution in the U.S. of $39,400. The good news is that student loans and scholarships can make this price tag easier to swallow.

Costs for 2022-23

Financial Aid

Approximately 78% of new students receive some sort of financial aid, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Northeastern is need-aware for international students only, meaning international students who have financial needs will still be considered during the application process.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

While 44% of Northeastern students take out federal loans to help pay for Northeastern tuition, just 5% take out private student loans. The average amount borrowed with private loans is $28,495.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

When considering colleges, it’s wise to look at the full cost for four years of education. The average cost for a four-year degree at a private school in the U.S., according to CollegeData.com, is $230,280. At Northeastern, that number is $325,728, based on 2022-23 rates.

Here’s some Massachusetts Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

In 2022-23, students at Northeastern paid $60,192 for tuition and fees and $18,440 for room and board, for a total of $78,632 for the year. Here’s some helpful student loan and scholarship information to help you explore options for paying for Northeastern tuition.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

Tuition for graduate school at Northeastern University was $25,801 for the 2022-23 school year, with an additional $294 in fees. That makes the total for graduate school $26,095. This is a little higher than the average cost for graduate school in the United States, which was $23,130 per year. There are graduate loans that can help you cover these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

If you opt to attend Northeastern on a part-time basis, you won’t pay the full-time tuition we’ve discussed. Instead, you’ll pay $817- $1,804 per credit hour, based on the 2022-23 pricing and depending on the department.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2022-23

*Based on studio pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on Northeasetern’s off-campus housing website in 2022.

First- and second-year students are required to live on campus at Northeastern. Most rooms are double or triple occupancy, though there are limited single rooms.

Third-year and beyond students can opt to live off-campus. Northeastern has a site where students can find housing at reasonable rates. Keep in mind you may be required to sign a 12-month lease, even if the school semester is shorter.

Find out more about the university’s housing policies and options resource to learn more about off-campus housing.

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate

Fall 2022

With 6,191 students accepted out of the 91,000 that applied, the Northeastern acceptance rate is at an all-time low of 6.8% (down from last year’s 18%).

Admission Requirements

To be accepted as a student at Northeastern University, there are certain requirements that must come with your application. Also, there are other documents that, while not required, may help the school determine eligibility.

Required:

•  Secondary school report and transcripts

•  Recommendations

•  Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)

Recommended:

•  SAT or ACT scores

The deadline for Early Decision I is November 1, with a decision given by December 15. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 1, with a decision by February 15. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1, with a decision given by April 1. You can apply to Northeastern here .

SAT and ACT Scores

Through 2026, Northeastern will not require SAT or ACT scores to be submitted with applications.

However, you may want to compare your test scores with those in the 25th and 75th percentile:

Popular Majors at Northeastern University

Northeastern offers more than 90 majors and areas of concentration to choose from. Here are some of the most popular.

1. Business

Northeastern offers many degrees in business, including those that partner business administration with communication studies, design, economics, health science, mathematics, political science, psychology, computer science, and cybersecurity, among others.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 955

2. Computer and Information Sciences

Northeastern offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in computer science. The BS focuses on the technical aspects of the field of study, while the BA offers more flexibility for electives.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 483

3. Mechanical Engineering

You can opt to study mechanical engineering, or you can combine a solid foundation in the subject, combined with materials science, history, physics, or design.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 272

4. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics

Students at Northeastern have the option to earn either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in economics. The BA offers six core courses in economics and liberal arts courses in economic literature, economic history, the history of economic thought, and political economy. The BS covers economic development, game theory, and mathematical economics, as well as mathematics and computer science courses.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 144

5. Health and Medical Administrative Services

Graduates in the health sciences program go on to have a variety of careers in the health and medical fields. Coursework includes studying the natural sciences, social sciences, and the liberal arts, as well as public health and healthcare.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 162

6. Biology

Students of biology explore the processes of life, from molecules and cells through organs and organ systems to populations, ecosystems, and evolution.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 125

7. Neuroscience

Students can opt to major in behavioral neuroscience, or combine that with design, philosophy, computer science, or data science.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 117

8. Nursing

Northeastern offers a Bachelor of Science in nursing, as well as accelerated programs. These programs prepare students to become nurses in a variety of fields, and there is a great demand for these professionals right now.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 116

9. Computer Engineering

Computer engineering students learn both theory and practice when it comes to hardware and software design. They also learn about computer organization and architecture, computer networks, computer-aided design, programming languages, and optimization theory.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 114

10. International Business

If traveling abroad appeals to you, a bachelor’s degree in international business. You’ll have the opportunity to study in another country as well as get work experience abroad.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 112

To find out more about Northeastern’s academic programs, use this resource .

Graduation Rate

So how many students actually graduate from Northeastern? A high percentage, actually. For students who started in 2015, here is the graduation rate:

•  6 years: 91.2%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Students graduating from Northeastern make significantly more than the average for private four-year school students, which is $55,260. Instead, Northeastern students make, on average, $88,842 a year.