Why Is Northeastern University So Competitive to Get Into in 2025?
Northeastern University in Boston is a prestigious American university, attracting thousands of Indian and international students each year. Understanding the Northeastern University ranking is essential for applicants seeking globally recognized education, scholarships, and career opportunities in the USA. This comprehensive guide reviews NU’s 2025 national, global, and subject-wise rankings, helping Indian students make well-informed study abroad decisions.
Northeastern University Ranking 2025: At a Glance
| Ranking Body | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #375 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) Global | #250 (Band: 201–250) |
| U.S. News National | #53 |
| QS Subject—Computer Science | #85 |
| QS Subject—Engineering | #97 |
Northeastern University regularly secures a spot among the top 400 universities worldwide, according to leading global rankings like QS and THE. For Indian and international students, this highlights its global prestige across various disciplines, especially in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business.
Subject-wise Rankings & Top Programs at Northeastern
- Computer Science: QS World Rankings 2025: #85 globally
- Engineering: QS World Rankings 2025: #97 globally; Undergraduate: 37th in the USA (US News)
- MBA: US News 2025: Top 85 globally
- International Business: #11 in the USA (US News)
- Nursing: #52 in the USA (US News)
- Economics: Top 100 globally
These subject-specific rankings make Northeastern a preferred destination for those interested in STEM, Business, and Healthcare careers. The university’s reputation in these fields significantly enhances employability and research prospects.
Northeastern University: National vs Global Performance
| Metric | USA (National) | World (Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rank | #53 (US News) | #375 (QS), 201–250 (THE) |
| Engineering (UG) | #37 | #97 (QS global) |
| Business | #11 (Intl Business) | Top 100 (MBA/Business) |
University rankings can differ between national and international charts. While Northeastern excels nationally for teaching and employability, its global research output and diverse programs secure it a competitive position worldwide.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams for Indian Applicants
- Minimum GPA for UG: 3.5 (90%) in Class 12
- Minimum GPA for PG: 3.0 (85%) in bachelor’s degree
- SAT/ACT: Test-optional for UG; optional submission
- GRE/GMAT: Mostly optional for PG but may enhance application
- English Proficiency: Accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo
- IELTS: 7.0–8.0
- TOEFL iBT: 99–108
- PTE: 68–76
- Duolingo: 120–130
- Other documents: SOP, LORs, resume, academic transcripts
For tips on eligibility and CGPA-to-GPA conversion: How to Convert 10 Point CGPA to 4 Point GPA
Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
| Parameter | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition Fee (annual) | USD 61,300 (~INR 51 lakhs) |
| PG Fee (MS/Engineering) | ~USD 1,800/credit (varies by program) |
| Cost of Living (UG) | USD 28,600–35,000/year |
| Notable Scholarships | International Scholars Award, Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship, KC Mahindra Scholarship, Zolve Global Scholarship |
| Work Study | Part-time jobs, internships, on-campus work |
Merit-based financial aid and scholarships are available for deserving international students. Applying early increases your chances for institutional awards. To explore more about scholarship opportunities, see: Top Study Abroad Scholarships
Visa Guidance & Post-Study Work Opportunities
- F-1 Student Visa: Mandatory for full-time study in the USA
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): 1 year after graduation
- STEM OPT Extension: Eligible STEM majors can extend OPT by 24 months
- Work Permits: High post-study visa success rate for Northeastern graduates
- Career Services: Job search, interview prep, and career fairs
Northeastern’s co-op and placement model makes it highly competitive for those targeting global work experience. For stepwise visa info, check: Student Visa USA
Career Outcomes, Co-op & Internship Placements
- Over 90% employability rate within 6 months of graduation
- Industry-linked co-op programs with Amazon, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Deloitte
- Dedicated career support services for international students
- Access to 300,000+ strong worldwide alumni network
With its focus on experiential learning and co-ops, Northeastern offers excellent return on investment for Indian students wanting to build international careers in STEM, business, and technology.
In summary, Northeastern University’s consistently solid world and subject-wise rankings, strong STEM and business programs, and career-focused education make it an outstanding choice for Indian students pursuing a degree in the USA. Carefully compare your admission eligibility, prepare required documents, and monitor scholarships and deadlines to boost your chances of joining one of America’s top universities for global aspirants.
FAQs on Northeastern University Rankings, Selectivity, and Top U.S. Schools for 2025
1. Is Northeastern University a top university?
Yes, Northeastern University is considered a top university in the United States, known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, co-op programs, and innovative research. It consistently ranks well in national and global university rankings, especially for programs in engineering, computer science, and business.
2. Is Northeastern University a top 20 school?
No, Northeastern University is not typically ranked in the top 20 nationally in most U.S. rankings like U.S. News & World Report. It often places in the top 40–50 among national universities in the United States.
3. Why is Northeastern so hard to get into now?
Northeastern University has become more competitive due to a surge in applications, growing prestige, and recognition of its co-op and experiential learning programs. Its acceptance rate has declined significantly as more students apply each year, seeking its unique educational approach and urban Boston location.
4. What is the top 10 university in the USA?
The top 10 universities in the USA typically include Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, Caltech, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Yale University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University, according to major rankings like U.S. News & World Report and QS.
5. What is Northeastern University's acceptance rate?
As of 2024, Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of around 6%–7%, reflecting its highly selective admissions and increasing popularity among applicants.
6. What is Northeastern University's ranking in the US?
In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report, Northeastern University is ranked among the Top 50 National Universities. Rankings may vary slightly by source, but Northeastern remains highly respected for its career outcomes and innovative programs.
7. What is Northeastern University's QS World Ranking?
In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Northeastern University is ranked #375 globally. Rankings can change annually based on academic reputation, faculty, and internationalization.
8. How is Northeastern University ranked for computer science?
Northeastern University's Khoury College of Computer Sciences is highly regarded, consistently ranked in the top 50 in the U.S. for undergraduate and graduate computer science programs in major rankings such as U.S. News & World Report.
9. What is Northeastern University's engineering ranking?
The College of Engineering at Northeastern University is ranked among the top 50 engineering schools in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report, based on undergraduate and graduate program evaluations.
10. What is Northeastern University's global ranking?
According to QS and other respected sources, Northeastern University is ranked in the top 400 universities globally, reflecting its international reputation and commitment to global research and student exchange.
11. How does Northeastern’s business school rank?
The D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern is ranked among the top 50 business schools in the U.S., known for programs in entrepreneurship, international business, and accounting (U.S. News, Bloomberg, Forbes).
12. Why is Northeastern ranked lower than some other universities?
Northeastern may rank lower than Ivy League or flagship public universities due to factors like faculty resources, endowment size, and research output. However, its reputation for experiential learning and career outcomes is highly respected and has improved its rank in recent years.
