Northeastern University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university in Massachusetts, USA. According to unofficial sources, Northeastern University ranked #46 among National Universities, #102 in Best Value Schools. Also, the university is accredited by the NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education), a member of the Boston Consortium for Higher Education, and classified among R1 Doctoral Universities- Very high research activity.  The university has also been ranked #384 in QS World University Rankings 2026.

The university provides 371 UG majors, 141 single majors, 230 combined majors, 37 doctoral programs, and 271 professional doctorate master's and certificate programs.

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate 2025

The no. of applications received by Northeastern for the Class of 2029 saw an increase of 6.7% as compared to last year, whereas the no. of students admitted saw an increase of 13%. The Northeastern University acceptance rate stood at just 5.6%, making the admission criteria of the university extremely selective. 

This was the first semester since Fall 2020's Northeastern admissions when the Northeastern acceptance rate saw an increase. The no. of UG enrolments for Fall 2025 stood at 22,695. The enrollment trends for previous years at Northeastern University are given below:

Northeastern University MBA acceptance rate stands at 26.2% for the class of 2025. Check some of the college-wise acceptance rates for Northeastern University:

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Northeastern University Acceptance Rate for International Students

Northeastern University saw the largest number of applications for the class of 2029 from China, India, Canada, South Korea, and Brazil. The competition for securing a seat at Northeastern University is especially difficult for international students, with the acceptance rate of Northeastern University standing at a mere 3.1% for international students in 2024.

The international student body enrolled at the Northeastern campus represents 141 countries and has a total enrollment of around 18,500 as of Fall 2024. The number of Indian students across the Global Campus Network is less than 10,000. A more in-depth breakdown of the student demographics of NU, including Northeastern University international students, is given below: 

The enrollment trends for international UG students at Northeastern University over the course of the last five years can be checked out from the table given below:

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Northeastern University Acceptance Rate Trends

The no. of applications received by Northeastern in the last six years has increased by 63% whereas the no. of students admitted has decreased by -56.07%. As a result, the North Eastern acceptance rate has decreased heavily, by -72.5% since 2020. 

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Northeastern University Early Decision vs Regular Decision

With the plummeting Northeastern University acceptance rate, reports confirmed that the number of applicants for Early Decision has increased by 660% since 2015.

For the class of 2029, Northeastern University received approximately 3,600 applications under the Early Decision plan and accepted 1,400 of these, making the estimated Northeastern early acceptance rate around 39% for 2025-26. Given below is a comparison of the early acceptance rates of the university in the last three years.

Northeastern University Requirements for International Students

The basic entry requirements for UG and PG programs are given below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

• Academic Transcripts for each year
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• ACT/SAT score
• Submit a secondary school report
• Minimum 2.0 GPA required
• Submission of standardized test scores
• English language requirements

Graduate Requirements:

• Academic Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• CV/ Resume
• English language requirements
• GRE Optional

Students are advised to refer to official website for any Northeastern University course-specific requirements.

Northeastern University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

Northeastern University does not provide test options for standardized test scores, which means there is a compulsion to submit these scores. Students must submit SAT and ACT scores during admissions to enhance their selection probability. The minimum required scores for ACT and SAT at NU are given below:

Tips to get selected at Northeastern University

International students who adhere to the following tips have higher chances of selection at Northeastern University:

• Maintain a solid GPA throughout high school.
• Thoroughly prepare for exams such as the SAT or ACT before submitting the final scores.
• Obtain excellent letters of recommendation from teachers who know the student well and can attest to the academic talents and personality.
• The university admission staff values an applicant's high school class rank, where available, as well as a letter of recommendation. Students must obtain high ranks and positive recommendations.
• Strong recommendations from instructors or counselors might provide a third-party assessment of students’ academic achievements and personal characteristics.
• Northeastern expects its applicants to have completed a challenging high school program. This includes particular subject requirements to guarantee they're ready for college-level coursework.

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate vs Columbia University Acceptance Rate 

The Columbia University acceptance rate stands around 4.9%, which makes it an extremely competitive university to get into, as compared to the acceptance rate of Northeastern University which stands at 5.6%. Columbia University is a tougher university to get into.

Columbia University admissions are highly competitive, and hence, applicants must submit great academic marks as well as thrive in co-curricular activities to increase their chances.