Northeastern University facts for kids
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Former names
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Evening Institute for Younger Men (1898–1916) Northeastern College (1916–1922) |
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| Motto |
Lux, Veritas, Virtus (Latin)
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Motto in English
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"Light, Truth, Courage" |
| Type | Private research university |
| Established | 1898 |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $1.3 billion (2022) |
| President | Joseph E. Aoun |
| Provost | David Madigan |
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Academic staff
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3,049 (2020) |
| Students | 38,760 (2023) |
| Undergraduates | 21,330 (2023) |
| Postgraduates | 17,430 (2023) |
| Location |
,
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United States
42°20′24″N 71°05′18″W / 42.34000°N 71.08833°W |
| Campus | Large city, 73 acres (30 hectares) |
| Other campuses | |
| Newspaper | The Huntington News |
| Colors | Red and black |
| Nickname | Huskies |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot | Paws the Husky |
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Northeastern University (often called NU or NEU) is a private research university. Its main campus is in Boston, Massachusetts. It started in 1898 as a school for young men.
In 1916, it became Northeastern College. It gained university status in 1922. With over 38,000 students, Northeastern is the biggest university in Massachusetts.
Northeastern is a large university with many students living on campus. It has nine schools, including a law school. The main campus is in Boston, near Huntington Avenue and Columbus Avenue. It offers programs for both undergraduate (first degree) and graduate students. Most undergraduate students join a special program called cooperative education. This program helps them get real-world work experience.
The university has other campuses in different cities. These include Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; San Jose, California; Oakland, California; Portland, Maine; Burlington, Massachusetts; and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada. In 2019, Northeastern also opened a campus in London, England.
Northeastern's sports teams are called the Northeastern Huskies. They compete in NCAA Division I in 18 different sports. Their hockey teams play in Hockey East. The rowing teams compete in the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges (EARC) and Eastern Association of Women's Rowing Colleges (EAWRC).
Contents
University History
How Northeastern Started
In 1896, the Boston Young Men's Christian Association started the Evening Institute for Younger Men. This institute brought together many classes they had offered for years. They taught subjects like algebra, literature, French, and electricity. The goal was to provide a good education for young men with a YMCA membership. The first classes were held in 1898. A new YMCA building was built on Huntington Avenue in 1913.
The School of Law also began in 1898. In 1903, the first Automobile Engineering School in the country was created. Day classes started in 1909. In 1916, the institute officially became Northeastern College.
In 1909, the Polytechnic School started offering co-operative engineering courses. This meant students would switch between classroom learning and working at companies. This "co-op" program was the second of its kind in the U.S. It was later adopted by all departments.
Frank Palmer Speare became the first president of Northeastern College in 1917. Five years later, the college changed its name to Northeastern University. This new name showed that it offered more advanced education. In 1923, the university was allowed to grant general degrees like A.B. and B.S.
Growing and Changing
The College of Liberal Arts was added in 1935. After World War II, Northeastern began admitting women. In 1948, Northeastern became fully separate from the YMCA. By 1959, it was known as an independent technical university.
From 1959 to 1975, under President Asa S. Knowles, the university grew a lot. It added more undergraduate and graduate programs. It also created new colleges, like the College of Education (1953) and the College of Professional Studies (1960). The colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing were created in 1964. The College of Criminal Justice followed in 1967. The Khoury College of Computer Sciences was created in 1982. It was the first college in the U.S. focused on computer science.
During this time, Northeastern's student body became more diverse. More women and Black students enrolled. The number of international students also increased.
Recent Times
By the early 1980s, Northeastern was one of the largest private universities. In 1990, for the first time, more students lived on campus than commuted. After an economic downturn, the university decided to become "smaller, leaner, better." They reduced staff and student admissions.
When Richard M. Freeland became president in 1996, he focused on improving academics. He wanted to make Northeastern the best at "practice-oriented education." The university started a big construction program. This included new dorms, academic buildings, and sports centers. Freeland also changed the co-op system to better connect learning with work.
Between 1995 and 2007, student test scores and retention rates improved a lot. Applications also doubled. By 2005, Northeastern reached its goal of being ranked among the top 100 universities. Joseph E. Aoun became president in 2006.
President Aoun focused on improving undergraduate education and research. He also worked to improve relations with the neighborhoods around the university. Northeastern quickly moved up in national rankings. This helped the university get more funding and attract even more students.
In 2013, the Empower Campaign was launched to raise money for student support and research. It aimed to raise $1 billion by 2017. By 2017, the campaign had raised $1.4 billion.
In 2021, there was an incident of vandalism at the Hillel at Northeastern University, which is the Jewish student center. An item was damaged. The university president condemned the act. In 2022, there was an incident at a lab on campus. An investigation found that the event was a hoax.
In May 2024, it was announced that Marymount Manhattan College would join Northeastern University.
University Presidents
Here are the presidents of Northeastern University:
- Frank Palmer Speare (1898–1940)
- Carl Stephens Ell (1940–1959)
- Asa S. Knowles (1959–1975)
- Kenneth G. Ryder (1975–1989)
- John A. Curry (1989–1996)
- Richard M. Freeland (1996–2006)
- Joseph E. Aoun (2006–present)
Academics
Northeastern offers many different study programs. There are 291 undergraduate majors, and 187 of these are combined majors. For graduate students, there are 36 PhD programs and 264 other graduate programs. In Fall 2021, Northeastern had 3,028 teachers.
Learning at Northeastern combines classroom studies with real-world experiences. These experiences include the co-op program, student research, and global experiences like studying abroad.
Northeastern University is officially recognized by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colleges and Schools
Northeastern University has eight colleges that grant degrees:
- College of Arts, Media and Design
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences
- College of Engineering
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences
- College of Professional Studies
- College of Science
- College of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Mills College at Northeastern University (since 2023)
There are also two separate schools:
- D'Amore-McKim School of Business
- Northeastern University School of Law
Honors Program
The University Honors Program selects students with the highest grades and test scores. This program offers special advanced classes and research projects. Honors students can also live in special dorms.
Co-op Program
Northeastern has one of the oldest and largest cooperative education (co-op) programs in the world. It started in 1909. In this program, students switch between studying in class and working in professional jobs. These jobs are usually paid and relate to their major.
Students can choose to do one, two, or three co-op experiences. If they do three, they usually graduate in five years. Students on co-op do not pay tuition. About 50% of students get a job offer from a company where they did a co-op.
Study Abroad
Northeastern has study abroad programs that last a semester. Students can go to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Some partner schools include the University of Cambridge in England and the London School of Economics.
Research
Northeastern offers many ways for undergraduate students to do research. This includes grants and special programs. In 2007, the university received over $78 million for external research. In 2010, Northeastern received $12 million for a Homeland security research facility.
Becoming a Student
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
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| Applicants | 96,327 | 91,086 | 75,244 | 64,459 | 62,263 | 62,272 |
| Accepted | ~5,389 | 6,179 | 13,829 | 13,199 | 11,240 | 12,042 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5.6% | 6.7% | 18% | 20% | 18% | 19% |
| Enrolled | ~2,900 | 2,620 | 4,504 | 3,128 | 2,996 | 2,746 |
| SAT Range | 1450-1535 | 1440–1530 | 1430–1540 | 1390–1540 | 1360–1540 | |
| ACT Range | 33-35 | 33–35 | 33–35 | 32–35 | 33–35 |
For undergraduate students, Northeastern's acceptance rate in 2023 was 5.6%. This means only about 5 out of every 100 applicants were accepted. This low rate is partly due to a very large number of applications. In 2018, Northeastern was one of the top ten most applied to colleges.
Many international students apply to Northeastern. In 2016, 9,500 international students applied. Northeastern is ranked as one of the top institutions in the U.S. for hosting international students. Over 12,000 international students from 138 different countries attend Northeastern.
University Rankings
| ARWU World | 201–300 |
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| THES World | 201–250 |
| USNWR National University | 53 |
| Washington Monthly National University | 139 |
| Forbes | 85 |
In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Northeastern as 53rd among National Universities. In 2014, College Prowler gave Northeastern an "A+" for its classes and professors. A 2008 survey ranked Northeastern as the second safest school in the United States.
Special Rankings
- 1st in "Best Co-ops/Internships" (U.S. News & World Report) (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- 1st in "Best Schools for Internships" (Princeton Review) (2017, 2018)
- 3rd in "Best Career Services" (Princeton Review) (2016, 2017, 2018)
- 4th in "Top 25 Entrepreneurship: Ugrad" (Princeton Review) (2017, 2018)
- 6th in "Most Innovative Schools" (U.S. News & World Report) (2018)
Campus Life
Northeastern University's main campus covers 73 acres (30 ha). It is mostly along Huntington Avenue and Columbus Avenue in Boston. It is near famous places like the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall.
In 2019, the campus became an official arboretum. This means it is a special place with many different types of trees and plants. It is the only campus in Boston with this title.
The first baseball World Series took place on the Huntington Avenue Grounds, which is now part of the campus. A statue of Cy Young marks this spot.
In 2014, Northeastern started a Public Art Initiative. They put murals and other art around the campus. Artists like Jef Aérosol and Shepard Fairey have created works there.
Campus Buildings
During the 1930s, Northeastern planned a new campus. Richards Hall was the first building, finished in 1938. Its design, with light gray bricks and vertical windows, was used for other buildings.
In 1961, the university bought an industrial complex. Some buildings were torn down, but others were kept and became Lake Hall, Holmes Hall, Nightingale Hall, and Meserve Hall.
Recently, Northeastern opened the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC). This $225 million building is for research and education. They also launched the Institute for Experiential Artificial Intelligence. The College of Computer and Information Science was renamed the Khoury College of Computer Sciences after a large donation.
EXP, another big research building, opened for the 2023-2024 school year. It has a large space for students to create and build things.
Green Campus
Northeastern is very focused on being environmentally friendly. In 2011, it received a high grade for its sustainability efforts. The Princeton Review named it one of the top 15 "Green Colleges" in 2010. In 2011 and 2014, it was ranked as the greenest university in the U.S. by GreenMetric World University.
Several buildings on campus have received LEED certification. This means they are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Getting Around Campus
The MBTA subway Orange Line and Green Line E branch go through the Northeastern campus. Five stations serve the campus, making it easy for students to use public transportation.
Campus Landmarks
Gathering Spots
Krentzman Quadrangle is the main quad on campus. It has a brick sign that says "Northeastern University." It's a central spot for students to gather.
Centennial Common is a grassy area created for the university's 100th anniversary in 1998. It's a popular spot for students to relax and for student groups to hold outdoor activities.
The Marino Recreation Center is an indoor fitness center. It opened in 1996 and is named after alumnus Roger Marino.
Buildings and Auditoriums
Ell Hall, built in 1947, is one of the oldest buildings. It has offices, classrooms, an art display space, and a large auditorium. It also connects to the campus tunnel network. These tunnels help students get around in bad weather.
Blackman Auditorium is Northeastern's largest event space. It hosts many events, from classes to theater shows and concerts.
Gallery 360 is the university's art gallery. It's free and open to the public. It shows art by visiting artists, students, and faculty.
Dodge Hall is home to Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. It was built in 1952. Its basement used to be the main library until 1990.
Richards Hall was the first building on campus, completed in 1938. Its design influenced other buildings nearby.
Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Complex
The Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Complex (ISEC) opened in 2017. This large building provides research and education space for students and teachers in science, health, engineering, and computer science. It has a big atrium, a spiral staircase, and an auditorium.
Matthews Arena
Matthews Arena opened in 1910 and is the oldest indoor ice hockey arena still standing. It's home to Northeastern's hockey and basketball teams. It was also the original home for the NHL Boston Bruins. It hosts the annual Beanpot tournament.
Dorms and Housing
East Village is one of Northeastern's newest dorms. It opened in 2015 and houses freshmen and honors students.
In 2008, West Village Building F won an award for its design.
Northeastern has expanded its housing along Columbus Avenue. International Village, a large complex with dorms, offices, and a gym, opened in 2009. It also has a dining hall open to everyone.
Lightview, built in 2019, is a 20-story building for Northeastern students. It has fitness areas and social spaces.
Libraries
Northeastern University Libraries include the Snell Library and the John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute Library. The Snell Library opened in 1990. It also holds special collections about social justice.
Other Campuses
Besides its main Boston campus, Northeastern has other locations in Massachusetts. These include the George J. Kostas Research Institute in Burlington and a Marine Science Center in Nahant. The Kostas Research Institute has a lab for testing strong structures.
The university has also opened campuses in other North American cities. These include Charlotte, North Carolina (2011), Seattle (2013), San Jose, California (2015), Toronto (2016), and Vancouver, British Columbia (2019). In 2020, Northeastern opened the Roux Institute in Portland, Maine. This institute focuses on artificial intelligence.
Northeastern has also expanded globally. In 2018, it bought the New College of the Humanities in London. In 2022, Mills College in Oakland, California, merged with Northeastern. It is now called Mills College at Northeastern University. In 2024, Marymount Manhattan College in New York City also merged, becoming Northeastern University – New York City.
Student Life and Activities
Northeastern has over 16 varsity sports teams and more than 30 club sports teams. There are also over 400 student clubs and organizations. These include student government, a newspaper (The Huntington News), and various social and cultural groups.
Northeastern has six student-run singing groups (a cappella). These groups often compete in national competitions. The Nor'easters won the national title in 2013 and 2017.
Sports Teams
Since 1927, Northeastern's sports teams have been called the Huskies. Before that, they didn't have an official mascot. A Siberian Husky pup named King Husky I arrived on campus in 1927. The university's official costumed mascot is Paws.
The university's colors are red and black. Their fight song is "All Hail, Northeastern." Most of Northeastern's 18 varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division I's Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Northeastern sponsors these sports teams:
- Baseball (men's)
- Basketball (men's, women's)
- Cross country (men's, women's)
- Field hockey (women's)
- Ice hockey (men's, women's)
- Rowing (men's, women's)
- Soccer (men's, women's)
- Swimming and diving (women's)
- Track and field (men's, women's)
- Volleyball (women's)
The baseball, soccer, and rugby teams play at Parsons Field in Brookline. The field hockey and track and field teams play in Dedham. Matthews Arena is home to the hockey and basketball teams. The rowing teams use Henderson Boathouse on the Charles River.
The baseball team has played in the NCAA regionals seven times. In 2009, Northeastern ended its football program. This decision allowed the university to focus on its other sports.
Northeastern also has 40 club sports. These include sailing, judo, rugby, and ultimate Frisbee. In 2010, the club baseball team won the National Club Baseball Association Division II World Series.
Ice Hockey Success
The men's and women's hockey teams play in the Hockey East conference. The men's team won the Beanpot tournament in 2019 and 2020. In 2020, they won it for the third year in a row.
Campus Traditions
Underwear Run
The Underwear Run started in 2005. During this event, students run around campus in their underwear. It happens around midterm season in the fall. Students say it's a "liberating experience" that builds school spirit.
Husky Hunt
Husky Hunt is a 24-hour scavenger hunt organized by the Resident Student Association. Teams of students search for clues and solve puzzles all over the Greater Boston area.
Notable People
Northeastern University has over 275,000 living alumni. These are former students who live in more than 180 countries.
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Nikesh Arora
CEO of Palo Alto Networks and former senior executive at Google -
J. Geils
musician and leader of The J. Geils Band -
Mo Cowan
former United States Senator from Massachusetts -
Gregory Jarvis
astronaut on Space Shuttle Challenger -
Jeff Clarke
former CEO of Kodak -
John Pastore
former United States Senator from Rhode Island -
Jane Curtin
actress, comedian and original cast member of Saturday Night Live -
Wendy Williams
media personality, host of The Wendy Williams Show -
Carlos Peña
former Major League Baseball (MLB) player
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Notable Faculty
- Michael Dukakis: Former Governor of Massachusetts and a professor.
- Matthias Felleisen: Author of How to Design Programs and a computer science professor.
- Mary Florentine: A distinguished professor who studies how people hear.
- Professor Lyrical: A rapper, public speaker, and math professor.
- Pran Nath: A physicist who helped create the theory of supergravity.
- Nada Sanders: A distinguished professor of supply chain management.
- Ena Vazquez-Nuttall: A psychologist and former dean.
- Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli: A psychology professor and founding director of a biomedical imaging center.
See also
In Spanish: Universidad del Nordeste para niños
- Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences
- Northeastern University (MBTA station)
- Ruggles (MBTA station)
