Average SAT Score for Northeastern University (2024-25 Data)
Key Takeaways
- The middle 50% of Northeastern University's Fall 2024 first-year class scored 1450 to 1520 on the SAT, with a median of 1490 (Common Data Set 2024-25, the latest published).
- By section, the middle 50% scored 710 to 760 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 730 to 780 in Math.
- About 24% of the Fall 2024 class submitted SAT scores and 7% submitted ACT scores; 93.72% of SAT submitters scored between 1400 and 1600.
- Northeastern is test-optional: applicants who do not submit scores are not penalized, and it superscores the SAT and ACT for those who do.
- Early Decision I and Early Action close on November 1; Early Decision II and Regular Decision close on January 1.
Table of Contents
The middle 50% of Northeastern University’s Fall 2024 first-year class scored 1450 to 1520 on the SAT, with a median of 1490. On the sections, Reading and Writing ran 710 to 760 and Math 730 to 780. 24% of the class submitted SAT scores, because Northeastern is test-optional (Northeastern University Common Data Set 2024-25, section C9).
Those figures come from the Common Data Set, the standard report universities publish about their own entering class. Northeastern’s most recent published edition is 2024-25, which describes the class that entered in Fall 2024. Below: what the numbers mean, the full score breakdown, Northeastern’s testing policy, and how to read your own score against them.
What does “middle 50%” mean for SAT scores?
The middle 50% is the range between the 25th and 75th percentile of enrolled students. At Northeastern, a quarter of the Fall 2024 SAT-submitting class scored 1450 or below, a quarter scored 1520 or above, and half scored in between. It describes students who enrolled, not every student who was admitted, and it covers only those who sent SAT scores.
Because only about a quarter of enrolled students submitted the SAT, the range describes a self-selected group: students with high scores are the ones most likely to send them. It is not a cut-off, but it is a high and narrow band: 93.72% of SAT submitters scored between 1400 and 1600.
Northeastern SAT scores for the Fall 2024 class
| Measure | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT total | 1450 | 1490 | 1520 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 710 | 730 | 760 |
| SAT Math | 730 | 760 | 780 |
| Measure | Fall 2024 entering class |
|---|---|
| Students who submitted SAT scores | 24% (653 students) |
| Students who submitted ACT scores | 7% (203 students) |
| SAT submitters scoring 1400–1600 | 93.72% |
| SAT submitters scoring 700–800 in Reading and Writing | 81.6% |
| SAT submitters scoring 700–800 in Math | 92.3% |
Source for every figure: Northeastern University Common Data Set 2024-25, section C9 (percentiles and submission rates) and the SAT score-range table that follows it, published by Northeastern’s University Decision Support office (Common Data Set page). Retrieved 6 October 2026. A 2025-26 edition, for the Fall 2025 class, had not been published there at that date and will replace these figures when it is.
Does Northeastern require the SAT?
No. Northeastern’s admissions office says: “Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. If you choose to apply without standardized testing, you will not be penalized or disadvantaged” (Northeastern Admissions, required materials). It applies to applicants from both US and international high schools.
If you do send scores, you may submit the SAT, the ACT or both. Northeastern “super-scores and will only consider your best score between the two types of tests” (Northeastern Admissions, required materials). Non-native English speakers must still submit results from an approved English language test or request a waiver.
When are the Northeastern application deadlines?
| Round | Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I (binding) | November 1 | By January 1 |
| Early Action (non-binding) | November 1 | By February 15 |
| Early Decision II (binding) | January 1 | By March 1 |
| Regular Decision (non-binding) | January 1 | By April 1 |
Source: Northeastern Admissions, deadlines and decisions, retrieved 6 October 2026. The page gives the dates without a year; for Fall 2027 entry, the early rounds close on November 1, 2026.
How selective is Northeastern for international students?
For the Fall 2024 class, 98,425 students applied, 5,133 were admitted and 2,759 enrolled. Of those, 17,616 applicants were international students, 671 were admitted and 270 enrolled (Common Data Set 2024-25, section C1, residency breakdown). By our calculation from those figures, that is an admit rate of about 5.2% overall and about 3.8% for international applicants.
How should you read your SAT score against these numbers?
Because Northeastern is test-optional, the practical question is whether your score strengthens your application. With nearly every submitter at 1400 or above and a median of 1490, a score below 1450 sits in the bottom quarter of the students who chose to send one. Compare section by section as well: Math runs 730 to 780. If you have a practice-test result, estimate your SAT score with our SAT score calculator and see how far each section is from the 25th percentile.
If you have not sat a full test yet, start with a free full-length SAT practice test to get a baseline. For a structured plan to close the gap, the SAT self-prep course covers both sections. And if Northeastern is one of several US universities on your list, talk to an admissions counsellor about your university shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average SAT score for Northeastern?
Northeastern reports percentiles rather than an average. The median SAT score of its Fall 2024 first-year class was 1490, and the middle 50% scored 1450 to 1520 (Northeastern University Common Data Set 2024-25, section C9).
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern?
None is required, because Northeastern is test-optional, and it does not state a minimum. For reference, a quarter of the Fall 2024 SAT submitters scored 1450 or below and a quarter scored 1520 or above.
Does Northeastern require the SAT?
No. Northeastern says it is test-optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission, and that applicants who apply without testing will not be penalized or disadvantaged.
Does Northeastern superscore the SAT?
Yes. Northeastern says it super-scores and will only consider your best score between the two types of tests, if you submit both the SAT and the ACT.
What SAT Math score do Northeastern students have?
The middle 50% of the Fall 2024 SAT submitters scored 730 to 780 in Math, with a median of 760. 92.3% of SAT submitters scored between 700 and 800 in Math.
What SAT Reading and Writing score do Northeastern students have?
The middle 50% of the Fall 2024 SAT submitters scored 710 to 760 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, with a median of 730. 81.6% scored between 700 and 800 in this section.
Why are these figures for Fall 2024 and not Fall 2025?
Northeastern’s most recent published Common Data Set, as of October 2026, is the 2024-25 edition, which describes the class that entered in Fall 2024. The 2025-26 edition will replace these figures when it is published.
What is the Northeastern acceptance rate?
For the Fall 2024 class, 98,425 students applied and 5,133 were admitted (Common Data Set 2024-25, section C1). That is an admit rate of about 5.2% by our calculation.
How many international students does Northeastern admit?
For the Fall 2024 class, 17,616 international students applied, 671 were admitted and 270 enrolled (Common Data Set 2024-25, section C1). That is an admit rate of about 3.8% for international applicants, by our calculation.
When are the Northeastern application deadlines?
Early Decision I and Early Action both close on November 1. Early Decision II and Regular Decision both close on January 1. The two Early Decision rounds are binding; Early Action and Regular Decision are not.
