Non-Profit Private
Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education
Oakland, California
16.5% Acceptance Rate
Northeastern University Oakland — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
16.5%Acceptance Rate
3.57Avg GPA
1472Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$92,538Grad Salary
Acceptance Rate
16.5%
Avg GPA
3.57
Avg SAT
1472
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1390–1520
ACT Middle 50%
31–33
Northeastern University Oakland is a campus of the globally recognized Northeastern University system, known for its emphasis on experiential learning, research, and industry integration. By offering high-quality degree programs that connect academic theory with professional practice through global co-ops and real-world projects, the university prepares students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected economy. Its innovative model and commitment to student-centered career development make it an elite choice for those aiming to succeed in competitive, professional environments.
Northeastern University Oakland Acceptance Rate
Northeastern University Oakland is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of Northeastern University Oakland is 16.5%. This means that only 17 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2–3 key extracurricular activities.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 16.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
While academics are a primary focus, Northeastern University Oakland considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.57 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.37 – 3.56
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.12
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Northeastern University Oakland Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Northeastern University Oakland is November 1 for Early Decision I (binding) applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 108 days left — Early Decision I (binding)
Early Decision I (binding)
November 1
Early Action (non-binding)
November 1
Early Decision II (binding)
January 1
Regular Decision
January 1
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Northeastern University Oakland GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Northeastern University Oakland is 3.57. Northeastern University Oakland is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.77-3.97 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.27 and 3.57, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Northeastern University Oakland GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Northeastern University Oakland utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.57, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.57 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.37 – 3.56
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.17 – 3.36
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.16
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Northeastern University Oakland occupies the former Mills College campus (135 acres, founded 1852) - the first women's college west of the Rockies and a historic first-mover on transgender admission policy.
- Application fee is $75; the university remains test-optional indefinitely, and all applicants apply through one shared Northeastern application with a campus/program preference section.
- Students admitted to Oakland can complete a full four-year degree there or transition to Boston after year one (via NU Bound) or after any later year; transitioning is treated as an internal campus transfer, not a formal transfer application.
- There is currently no plan for credit-sharing or articulation agreements between Oakland and other Bay Area institutions (e.g., UC Berkeley, San Francisco State) - cross-registration outside Northeastern's own network is not available.
- The Rigor Metric: At Northeastern University Oakland, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Northeastern University Oakland
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Northeastern University Oakland's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Northeastern University Oakland Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Northeastern University Oakland Without SAT or ACT?
Northeastern University Oakland considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Northeastern University Oakland Average SAT Score: 1472
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Northeastern University Oakland is 1472 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1472 — Very Competitive
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1472 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1520 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Northeastern University Oakland allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1390, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Northeastern University Oakland. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 750 | 720 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 705 | 670 | 740 |
| SAT Composite | 1472 | 1390 | 1520 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1390 then you are below most of the admitted students at Northeastern University Oakland and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1520 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450
Can I get into Northeastern University Oakland with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Northeastern University Oakland are good but the admission staff at Northeastern University Oakland tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Northeastern University Oakland ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Northeastern University Oakland is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
This score makes Northeastern University Oakland very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 33 |
| ACT English | 33 | 30 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 31 | 33 |
Can I get into Northeastern University Oakland with a 33 ACT?
A 33 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Northeastern University Oakland — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Northeastern University Oakland use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Northeastern University Oakland — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Northeastern University Oakland uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 33 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Northeastern University Oakland
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Northeastern University Oakland, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Understand this is one Northeastern application with a campus-preference section - not a separate school
You apply once to Northeastern University overall, and within the application you indicate a preference for Boston, Oakland, or the N.U.in/NU Bound global-first-year programs - but Northeastern explicitly states every applicant is considered for all programs regardless of stated preference, with your preference only "guiding" the committee. If Oakland is genuinely your goal (smaller campus, Bay Area proximity), say so explicitly and specifically in your supplement rather than assuming a generic strong application defaults you there.
If admitted via NU Bound to Oakland, plan your four years around the built-in transition to Boston after year one
Many first-year admits to the Oakland campus enter through the NU Bound program, which is explicitly structured as one year in Oakland (or London) followed by transition to Boston's main campus in year two - full-degree-in-Oakland is possible but is a separate track from NU Bound. Confirm with admissions during the application process whether you're being offered the NU Bound (transitional) track or full-degree Oakland admission, since financial aid, housing guarantees, and major availability differ between the two.
Leverage the Mills College legacy explicitly if you're interested in gender studies, social justice, or the arts
Northeastern University Oakland occupies the former Mills College campus - the first women's college west of the Rockies and the first college in the U.S. to adopt an explicit admission policy for transgender students. If your academic or personal interests connect to gender studies, social justice, or the arts/music scene the campus is known for, referencing this specific institutional history in your essay demonstrates informed fit rather than generic interest in "Northeastern's reputation."
Know the major list is deliberately smaller at Oakland - confirm your intended major is actually offered there before committing to campus preference
Oakland offers 11 core majors and 22 interdisciplinary majors - a meaningfully smaller catalog than Boston's full offering - with online completion programs filling some gaps. Before indicating Oakland as your firm preference, cross-check your specific intended major against Oakland's current major list directly with admissions, since being admitted to Oakland doesn't guarantee your desired major is taught there in person.
Expert Insight:
A common misunderstanding is treating Northeastern's often-cited ~17% overall acceptance rate as the Oakland-specific rate - Oakland is a separate, smaller, and structurally distinct campus (formerly Mills College) with its own applicant pool and program pathways (NU Bound, full-degree Oakland), so applicants should ask admissions directly for Oakland-specific acceptance data rather than relying on Northeastern's Boston-driven headline statistics.
Northeastern University Oakland Profile
Full Name
Northeastern University Oakland
City
Oakland
State
California
ZIP Code
94613
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Is a Northeastern University Oakland Degree Worth It?
Getting into Northeastern University Oakland can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Northeastern University Oakland offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Northeastern University Oakland is $80,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.86%.
How much does a Northeastern University Oakland Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $92,538. An average Northeastern University Oakland graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Northeastern University Oakland. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Bates College | Lewiston, ME | 1446 | 32 |
| Babson College | Wellesley, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | 1422 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Macalester College | Saint Paul, MN | 1424 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Northeastern University Oakland. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | 1480 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Northeastern University Oakland. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Claremont, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | 1534 | 34 |
Degree Programs at Northeastern University Oakland
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Northeastern University Oakland Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $92,538 annually, depending on the industry.
The acceptance rate of Northeastern University Oakland is 16.5% which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.57. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.27, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.27, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.17 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.57, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Northeastern University Oakland is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1472 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1390–1520.
The application deadline for Northeastern University Oakland is November 1 for Early Decision I (binding) applicants.
The application fee for Northeastern University Oakland is 75. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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