Admit rate has ranged 17%–91% over the last 4 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Northeastern University Oakland merges the rigor of a top-tier Northeastern education with the laid-back, innovative spirit of California. With an acceptance rate hovering around 17%—significantly higher than the Boston campus’s 5%—it offers a more accessible pathway to Northeastern’s signature co-op programs and interdisciplinary majors, all set against the backdrop of Oakland’s vibrant cultural scene.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2021) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
464
In-state tuition
$67,778
Out-of-state tuition
$67,778
Contact
admissions@northeastern.edu | 617-373-2200
Acceptance Rate
16.7%
4-Year Grad Rate
~90%
Median Starting Salary
$76,100
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,538
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.7×
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
First-year retention
<1%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
79%
Pell (lower-income) share
34%
First-generation share
19%
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,413
Business/Commerce, General$63,111
Economics$60,046
Health and Medical Administrative Services$38,289
Biology, General$38,108
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
1
Per 1,000 students
2.16
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
184
Summer high
70°F
Winter low
43°F
Annual rain
26.8"
Natural-hazard risk
Very High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern University Oakland?
Northeastern University Oakland's acceptance rate is approximately 17% (Oakland, CA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University Oakland?
Admitted students at Northeastern University Oakland typically score 1420–1520 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Northeastern University Oakland cost?
At Northeastern University Oakland, the average net price (after aid) is about $25,181 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Northeastern University Oakland?
Northeastern University Oakland enrolls approximately 464 undergraduate students.
Where is Northeastern University Oakland located?
Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA.
Admissions
Northeastern University Oakland’s admissions process is selective but notably more accessible than its Boston counterpart, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 16.7% (3,002 admissions from 18,030 applications in 2024). Accepted students typically boast SAT scores between 1,430–1,510 or ACT scores of 32–34, with 69% ranking in the top 10% of their high school class. The admissions office can be reached at 617-373-2200 or admissions@northeastern.edu.
The Oakland campus offers a tech-forward curriculum with 11 core majors and 22 interdisciplinary options, including online completion programs. Students can blend fields like business and health sciences or computer science and design—a hallmark of Northeastern’s integrated major model. The focus on experiential learning extends to Oakland’s co-op programs, which embed students in Silicon Valley and Bay Area industries.
Life on the Oakland campus balances Northeastern’s academic intensity with California’s casual vibe. Students rave about the modern amenities and proximity to San Francisco’s cultural hubs. Clubs range from tech incubators to social justice groups, fostering tight-knit communities. One Reddit user noted, 'It’s easy to make friends here—the campus feels like a small college, but with Northeastern’s resources.'
Northeastern’s Oakland graduates benefit from the university’s strong career outcomes: alumni report median starting salaries of $76,100, with 97% of freshmen returning for sophomore year. The 4-year graduation rate hovers near 90%, outpacing national averages. Commencement ceremonies on Holmgren Meadow celebrate graduates poised for tech, healthcare, and business roles.
Tuition and fees at the Oakland campus mirror Northeastern’s premium pricing, with an estimated annual cost of $94,137. However, 30% of students receive financial aid, bringing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $45,775. The university offers need-based scholarships, and tools like the MyinTuition estimator help families plan for costs.
Northeastern Oakland is a strategic play: it delivers the university’s elite academics and co-op network in a sunnier, more relaxed setting. The higher Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (vs. Boston’s 5%) makes it a smart backdoor for students keen on Northeastern’s brand but wary of hyper-competitiveness. Plus, the Bay Area location offers unparalleled access to tech internships and startups—ideal for students eyeing Silicon Valley.
