Facts & FAQs
- Freshman Applicants
- Academics and Co-op
- Transfer Applicants
- Transfer Decision Days
- International Applicants
- Visit Information
Freshman Applicants
What is the freshman class profile?
Prospective freshman applicants can check the freshman profile at http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/academicprofile.html
What are the admission deadlines?
September entrance:
November 1— Early-Action Program
January 15— Regular Admission Program
January entrance:
November 1— Regular Admission
Where can I get a list of majors and minors?
Majors, minors and concentrations can be found at http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/majors/index.html
What does it cost to attend Northeastern?
Costs can be found at http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/tuition.html
Academics and Co-op
Is co-op mandatory if I attend Northeastern, and when does it start?
Co- op is not required. However, the majority of full-time undergraduates participate in co-op. When you go on co-op will depend on your division and the academic requirements of your college and/or major. Typically, full-time undergraduates complete up to three, 6-month co-ops during their five years at Northeastern, for a total of up to eighteen months of work experience.
Co-op assignments begin at the end of June (for Division A) and at the beginning of January (for Division B). There are some exceptions to the co-op schedule within the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. Students who enter Northeastern as freshmen typically begin co-op either in the middle or at the end of their sophomore year.
Transfer students must be enrolled in academic courses for their first semester at Northeastern, and most will be eligible for co-op after one academic semester. The number of co-ops transfer students are allowed to take varies based on major and number of credits transferred to NU.
International students on F-1 visas must be in full-time student status for at least nine months before starting co-op. Students who have F-1 and J-1 nonimmigration status must be legally authorized by Northeastern's International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) in advance of each period of co-op employment. For more information, visit the co-op website.
Do I have to choose a five-year program if I enroll at Northeastern?
Four and five-year options are available, depending on the major.
If I participate in co-op, does that mean I have to pay an extra year of tuition?
No, students are not charged tuition when they are on co-op. All students pay the equivalent of eight semesters (four years) of tuition. If you choose to remain on campus while on co-op, you will be charged for room and board.
I live out of state, where can I do my co-op?
All students may choose to remain in Boston for their co-op placements or work in one of the 40 states and 30 countries where Northeastern has co-op connections. Students living on campus will be charged room and board. If a student chooses to do a co-op outside of Boston, the Office of Co-op Connections is available to assist with housing and storage needs.
Does Northeastern place me in a co-op, or do I need to find one on my own?
You are assigned a co-op adviser who will assist you in your co-op search. However, it is up to you to research opportunities, make contact, and schedule your interviews.
What is the profile of the admitted transfer student?
Prospective transfer applicants can check the transfer student profile.
What is the deadline for transfer applications?
September entrance:
March 1 - Transfer students applying to the nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs for September admission
May 1 - September admission for all other transfer students
January entrance:
November 1—January admission for transfer applicants
What are Transfer Decision Days?
Transfer Decision Days are an opportunity for transfer applicants to bring a completed application to campus, meet with an admission counselor and receive a decision on the spot.
When can I set up an appointment?
Transfer Decision Days will be held the week of April 14. Half hour appointments are available at 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, and 3:00pm. All interviews will be held in 150 Richards Hall. If you are interested in making an appointment, please contact Sarah Balal at 617.373.5034.
What documents do I need to have for my appointment?
- Common Application (and fee)
- Official college transcript(s) from every institution you attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- College Official's Report (included with the Transfer Common Application)
- Essay and/or personal statement
- Midterm grades for current semester (if you have not completed two full semesters of college-level coursework)
Note: If you have already applied to the University and would like to come in for an appointment, you would still need to bring all the required documents at the time of your appointment (in such cases, unofficial copies would be accepted as long as the originals were sent in advance).
What do I do if my school does not provide midterm grades?
If your school does not provide midterm grades, download the midterm grade report at the following website and have your current professors fill it out: http://www.neu.edu/admissions/transfer/materials_transfer.html
Why are Architecture, Physical Therapy, Nursing, and Pharmacy excluded?
Architecture, Physical Therapy, and Nursing are not eligible for Transfer Decision Days due to the limited number of students we admit into these programs. For Pharmacy, in particular, we do not have any available space for external transfers this year.
Why are Studio Art and Music Technology and excluded?
Studio Art and Music Technology require a portfolio review by the academic department and are not eligible majors for an on the spot decision.
Where can I find out what courses Northeastern looks at when reviewing students for my intended major?
To see a list of required and/or preferred prerequisite coursework by major, please click here.
Where can I see a partial listing of courses that are transferable to Northeastern?
Course to course equivalencies by institution may be found here.
What is the deadline for international students applying to Northeastern?
September entrance:
November 1 — Freshman Early-Action Program
January 15 — Freshman Regular Admission Program
March 1 — Transfer student deadline (for nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy)
January entrance:
October 15 — International students for January admission for both international freshman and international transfer applicants
November 1 — Deadline for January Admission for freshman and transfer students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
As an international student interested in Northeastern, what do I need to know about visas, status, and financial declarations?
There are three different types of visas you can get:
* The F-1 student visa is the most common visa for undergraduate students at Northeastern University. The eligibility criteria include admission to the University, evidence of financial funds to support your studies and living expenses in the U.S., and indication of English proficiency. To receive an F-1 student visa, you will need a Form I-20, which will be mailed once Northeastern University receives the tuition deposit and Declaration of Finances Form. If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and would like to transfer to Northeastern, you will need to fill out the Transfer Notification for F-1 Visa Holders Currently in the U.S. form.
* The J-1 exchange visitor visa is awarded in rare instances where your tuition and fees are being sponsored by an external party. The eligibility criteria include admission to the University with sponsorship, evidence of financial support, and indication of English proficiency. To receive a J-1 student visa, you will need a Form IAP-66, which will be mailed once Northeastern University receives the tuition deposit and Declaration of Finances Form.
* The H-4 visa is awarded to you if your parent has an H-1 visa (a work visa issued for those in special occupations). If you hold an H-4 visa you do not need to acquire an F-1 student visa. The H-4 visa permits you to remain in the United States for the duration of your studies, but does not permit you to hold a job in the United States. If you wish to change your status from an H-4 visa holder to an F-1 visa holder, you must complete and submit the tuition deposit and Declaration of Finances Form in order to receive a Form I-20, which will be needed to obtain the F-1 student visa.
Is there a resource to help with transition issues?
Yes, the International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) serves as the primary resource for international students. The ISSI conducts OASIS, publishes a newsletter and coordinates diversity education and leadership training programs.
Visit Information
Where is the Visitor Center and do I need an appointment to take a campus tour?
The Admissions Visitor Center is located in Room 110 at Behrakis Health Science Center at 30 Leon Street. Appointments are not necessary for visitors planning to attend a number of our visit options. Tours are held hourly starting at 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For directions to the Admissions Visitor Center and information about visit options, visit http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/visitcampus/index.html.
What do I get to see on a campus tour?
Campus tours, led by currently enrolled Northeastern students, offer a unique perspective on the Northeastern experience. Visitors observe campus life firsthand and talk with students as they tour academic, residence, and recreation areas.
How long are programs offered in the Visitor Center?
Generally, campus tours and information sessions last an hour each.
Do you recommend any places to stay, see, or eat while I visit Northeastern and Boston?
For a list of hotels, restaurants, and places to see, visit http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/visitcampus/explore.html.