Northeastern University offers a unique blend of academic rigor and experiential learning, making it an attractive choice for students who are career-focused and eager to gain hands-on experience. The co-op program is a standout feature, providing students, including international students, with invaluable opportunities to work in their fields before graduation. The university's urban setting in Boston, combined with strong employer connections and a supportive international community, creates an environment where students can thrive both academically and professionally.
Brazilian students, in particular, find a welcoming community and opportunities to engage with broader discussions through events like the Brazil Conference at Harvard & MIT. Northeastern’s emphasis on experiential learning, global perspectives, and flexibility makes it an ideal choice for students seeking a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience.
Academic Programs and Popular Majors
Northeastern University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is well-regarded for its extensive and flexible academic offerings, particularly its focus on experiential learning. Northeastern offers over 90 majors across eight colleges, including the College of Engineering, D'Amore-McKim School of Business, and College of Computer and Information Science. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to tailor their degrees across multiple fields. Some of the most popular majors at Northeastern are Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Programs like Data Science and Cybersecurity have gained immense popularity due to the growing demand for tech skills in the job market.
Northeastern also provides various joint programs, allowing students to combine disciplines such as Economics and Mathematics, or Business and Computer Science. This integrated approach is attractive to students who seek a well-rounded education that bridges technical and liberal arts fields.
Facilities
Northeastern boasts impressive facilities that support its mission of experiential education. Snell Library is a central hub for student study, offering collaborative spaces, multimedia resources, and 24-hour access. State-of-the-art laboratories, particularly in engineering and life sciences, allow students hands-on research opportunities. The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) is a standout facility, designed to foster innovation and collaboration among students and researchers. Athletic facilities, such as Marino Recreation Center, provide a well-rounded student experience, and the on-campus innovation lab, IDEA, helps foster entrepreneurial projects.
Co-op Opportunities
A cornerstone of Northeastern’s education is its co-op program, one of the largest and most successful in the United States. The program allows students to gain real-world experience in their field, often working for six months at a time in full-time positions. Co-ops are typically integrated into students' four- or five-year plans, allowing them to graduate with 12-18 months of work experience. Northeastern has strong ties with over 3,000 employer partners worldwide, including companies like Amazon, Google, Deloitte, General Electric, and Pfizer. The connection with employers is a key advantage, and Northeastern students frequently receive job offers from their co-op employers upon graduation.
For international students, securing co-op positions can present additional challenges due to visa restrictions and employer policies. However, Northeastern provides extensive support through its Office of Global Services (OGS) and Career Development Office, which help students navigate the process and secure placements that meet visa requirements. Co-ops for international students are achievable, particularly for those who are proactive in networking and utilizing campus resources. The co-op program offers a valuable pathway for international students to gain work experience in the U.S., which can later be useful in securing Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities post-graduation.
The Ideal Student
The ideal Northeastern student is proactive, self-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Students who enjoy balancing academics with hands-on learning, and are interested in pursuing multiple disciplines, fit well within Northeastern’s structure. The university attracts students who are career-oriented and eager to gain professional experience before graduation.
Flexibility and adaptability are key traits, as students need to manage academic schedules alongside co-op placements.
Campus Safety and Housing
Northeastern is situated in a bustling area of Boston, close to Fenway, Back Bay, and the South End. The campus is well-secured, with a dedicated public safety department that operates 24/7. Safety services include late-night shuttle services, emergency alert systems, and a visible campus police presence. While Northeastern is in an urban setting, efforts to maintain a safe campus environment are robust, and students generally feel secure navigating campus and its surroundings.
Housing at Northeastern is guaranteed for freshmen and sophomores, and many students choose to live on campus throughout their studies. Residential halls vary from traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, offering options for different preferences. On-campus housing helps foster community, particularly during the initial years when students are adjusting to college life. International students find the on-campus housing convenient, providing proximity to campus resources and reducing the complexity of finding accommodation in Boston.
Social Scene and Popular Clubs
The social scene at Northeastern is vibrant, with a diverse array of student clubs and organizations. Clubs such as the Entrepreneurs Club, Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP), and the International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) are particularly popular. The Entrepreneurs Club encourages students to start their own ventures, supported by the IDEA accelerator program. There are also cultural clubs that help international students feel at home, such as the Brazilian Student Association, which fosters a sense of community among Brazilian students on campus.
International Student Experience and OPT Opportunities
Northeastern is home to a large international student body, representing over 140 countries. The overall international student experience is supported by the Office of Global Services, which provides visa assistance, cultural adjustment resources, and social activities. The co-op program is particularly advantageous for international students, offering an opportunity to gain work experience and build a network in the U.S. Many international students have successfully secured jobs through OPT in industries such as tech, finance, and healthcare. Companies like Amazon, PWC, Deloitte, and Microsoft have hired Northeastern international graduates in the past five years, reflecting the strength of the university's career services and industry connections.
Interaction Between City and College
Northeastern has a unique position within Boston, benefiting from a close interaction between the university and the city. Students frequently engage with Boston through co-op placements, internships, and community service projects. The location provides easy access to cultural landmarks, research hospitals, and a thriving job market, making Boston an integral part of the Northeastern experience.
Consortiums and Joint Programs
Northeastern is part of the Boston Library Consortium, which gives students access to extensive library resources across 19 institutions. Additionally, Northeastern offers joint programs, such as the dual-degree programs in collaboration with international universities, allowing students to gain global perspectives during their studies. These partnerships enhance the academic flexibility and global scope that the university is known for.
The university also participates in the Boston Consortium.
Connection with Employers and Alumni Network
The university has extensive connections with employers, particularly through the co-op program. Employers like IBM, State Street, and Boston Children's Hospital frequently hire Northeastern students for internships and post-graduation positions. The strong alumni network also plays a significant role in connecting current students with job opportunities. In Brazil, the Northeastern alumni community is growing, with many alumni involved in industries such as finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. This community often participates in networking events and serves as a resource for current students and recent graduates.
Brazilian Students and the Brazil Conference at Harvard and MIT
Brazilian students at Northeastern actively participate in the Brazil Conference at Harvard and MIT, an event that brings together leaders to discuss Brazil's challenges and opportunities. This participation highlights the engagement of Brazilian students with broader issues and their desire to contribute meaningfully to discussions about their home country. The Brazil Conference is a valuable networking opportunity, allowing students to connect with leaders across sectors and gain insights into the latest developments impacting Brazil.
Northeastern also has a BRASA chapter, founded in 2014. This chapter now has over 7,000 Members. BRASA members at Northeastern participate in the annual BRASA Summit, and host events at the university, such as Festa Junina.
Application to the different campuses
Firstly, if you are applying Early Decision, which is a binding agreement, you should know that “Early Decision applicants will be bound to their top preference program if admitted into that program, which is true for preferences of our five first-year enrollment opportunities. For students admitted to a program of their preference, it is a binding decision, and you are committed to attending Northeastern and withdrawing all applications from other institutions. ED applicants will not be committed to an enrollment program if they are admitted into a program that was not their preference—a non-binding decision would be issued.”
Students therefore will be considered for all first-year choices they mark on their application - but will only be bound under the ED commitment if they are accepted to their first choice campus.
Applicants may receive one of these decisions of admission:
Starting at Northeastern’s Boston degree granting campus
Starting at Northeastern’s Oakland degree granting campus
Admission to The N.U.in Program: first semester abroad at a partnership location
Admission to London Scholars: First year at Northeastern's London campus
Admission to New York City Scholars: first year at the Marymount Manhattan College campus
Admission to NU Immerse
Admission to Foundation Year
Applicants may also be deferred, denied or waitlisted.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these campuses.
Undergraduate Campuses
Northeastern’s main undergraduate campus is located in Boston, but the university also has other campuses that students can study at for the first semester, the first year, or for the entire undergraduate program.
Northeastern Boston
Starting at the Boston campus, first-year students will have the opportunity to be immersed in a diverse, global, and thriving campus environment. You will have all the advantages of a small campus feel in a big city and the benefits of small intimate classes and connections within a large university.
Our vibrant campus is unique within the city, a one-of-a-kind sanctuary of green spaces and tree-lined pathways in the heart of Boston. It truly is a campus within a city. One of the country's greatest walking cities, having Boston in your backyard opens you up to a cultural hub with much to see and do. Take a short walk or hop on the easy-to-use public transportation system (the "T") to explore popular nearby destinations.
As with all of Northeastern's Global Network of campuses, the Boston experience harnesses the power of place to provide an unparalleled experience full of history, industry, and educational opportunities. Boston provides an excellent backdrop for those seeking an experience deeply ingrained in the city's culture.
The Boston campus, as the main undergraduate campus of the university, is the most popular choice among students, and also the most competitive for acceptance as a first choice campus.
The university’s overall acceptance rate for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle was just over 5.5%.
The Oakland Campus
Northeastern University Oakland offers rigorous academics, a bustling community art and music scene, and a deep historical commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. NU Oakland is located on a lush 135-acre campus on the edge of the Oakland hills, offering a small campus feel while in close proximity to San Francisco, Berkeley, and Silicon Valley. Oakland, California, is home to a range of nonprofit arts organizations, social justice initiatives, advocacy groups, and a business culture committed to social responsibility.
Northeastern University Oakland students can pursue a variety of interdisciplinary degree programs positioned at the intersection of technology, healthcare, science, and business. All students who enroll at our Oakland campus will have the opportunity to directly transition to Northeastern's Boston campus after completing their first year in Oakland or choose to complete their studies in the Bay Area.
Northeastern University Oakland will provide a distinctly "West Coast" experience for those who want to take advantage of everything the Bay Area offers.
The Oakland campus (former Mills College) is small - in the fall of 2024, NU enrolled 460 first-year students. Additionally, however, the university enrolled another 703 Global Scholars, who will spend one year in London and one year in Oakland.
At NU Oakland, students complete the same core curriculum as students in the Boston campus. NU Oakland offers the following majors: ****• Behavioral Neuroscience (College of Science) • Biology (College of Science) • Business Administration (D’Amore McKim School of Business) • Computer Science (Khoury College of Computer Sciences) • Health Science (Bouvé College of Health Sciences) • Interdisciplinary Studies • Politics, Philosophy, Economics (College of Social Sciences and Humanities) • Psychology (College of Science) • Public Health (Bouvé College of Health Sciences) Offerings also include Northeastern’s signature combined majors: • Behavioral Neuroscience and Design • Business Administration Communication Studies • Business Administration and Design • Business Administration and Psychology • Business Administration and Public Health • Computer Science and Behavioral Neuroscience • Computer Science and Biology • Computer Science and Business Administration • Computer Science and Communication Studies • Computer Science and Design • Computer Science and Economics • Computer Science and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics • Economics and Business Administration • Economics and Psychology • Health Science and Business Administration • Health Science and Communication Studies • Health Science and Psychology • Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and Business Administration • Public Health and Communication Studies
Additionally, the Discover Oakland program, ideal for students still considering their academic opportunities, “embraces the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bay Area, bringing students to the intersection of technology, business, healthcare, and science. Throughout the year, dedicated programming will be offered to provide insight and understanding into the majors available at the Oakland campus and create opportunities to interact with faculty and current students in those fields. Students will also gain insights into industry-related outcomes.”
The London Campus
“London Scholars students will spend their first year studying at Northeastern University London, a prestigious, university-level college situated in Devon House in St Katharine Docks, a vibrant and dynamic quarter in central London. Located just a few minutes walk from the Tower of London, one of the UK's most iconic heritage sites, and Tower Bridge, one of the most instantly recognizable structures in the world, St Katharine Docks is steeped in the history of London and the River Thames upon which the city was founded.
Northeastern University London's unique global positioning will allow students to amplify their university experience by living, studying, and growing in London. During their second year and beyond, London Scholars will study on Northeastern's Boston campus or continue to explore global program offerings.”
The London campus enrolled 635 NU students in the fall of 2024.
Often, students who start in the London campus may graduate in five years, instead of four, depending on their study plan. It is important to note that international students must attend one academic year as a matriculated student, or its equivalent, and obtain proper authorization from the Office of Global Services before engaging in co-op.
NU London must comply with UK educational regulation - it’s important that students understand how university classes are taught and how achievement is assessed in the UK higher education system.
The NYC Campus
This is NU’s newest campus, acquired from Marymount Manhattan College this year (2024). The 2024-25 admissions cycle is the first cycle therefore for which this campus is offered to undergraduate applicants.
I visited the campus in June, just as the agreement between MMC and Northeastern University was being finalized, and will drop a few pictures below.
According to NU, “New for Fall 2025, Northeastern students admitted to New York City Scholars will begin their journey at the Marymount Manhattan College campus in Manhattan as a cohort of fellow first-year Northeastern students. Located in a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood in NYC, just moments from landmarks such as Central Park and Times Square, the NYC Scholars will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and academic heart of New York City.
During their first year, students will have access to a variety of cultural institutions, artistic venues, and professional opportunities that define New York City's global influence. In their second year and beyond, NYC Scholars will study on Northeastern's Boston campus and have the opportunity to continue to explore global program offerings.”
Global Scholars
In NU’s Global Scholars Program, students spend a full year as a cohort in these two campuses: London and Oakland. Students spend one semester in each campus, and then may transition to the Boston campus.
The “starting location eligibility will be announced in May in your Application Status Check and is based on your major, age, and the capacity of that location.” During the second year and beyond, students will choose whether to study at Northeastern’s Boston campus or continue to explore other global program offerings.
Northeastern International - NUIn
The N.U.in program enrolled 1,537 students in 2024. These students will spend their first semesters at Northeastern studying in France, Germany, Greece, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland or Spain.
They can then transfer to the Boston campus in the spring.
NUIn is a study-abroad program offered by NU that occurs in the first semester of students’ undergraduate journey.
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