Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Total Enrollment

31,159

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

284

284 programs

Full-Time Students

15,857

34 part-time

Total FTE

30,692

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

7
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
9832
Total Recent Graduates

With 31,159 students, Northeastern University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 284 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 15,857 (99.8%)
99.8%
Part-Time Students 34 (0.2%)
Total Students 15,891

Predominantly full-time students (99.8%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (50.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
52.1%
16,219 students
Men
47.9%
14,940 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
International Students
39.0%
12,146 students
International Students
39.0% (12,146)
White
30.2% (9,418)
Asian
14.0% (4,356)
Hispanic/Latino
7.3% (2,288)
Two or More Races
4.1% (1,292)
Black/African American
3.9% (1,216)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.0% (14)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (11)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 31,159 students

Largest Ethnic Group: International Students students make up 39% of the student body (12,146 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

15,891 students

44% Men, 56% Women
15,857 Full-time 34 Part-time
Diversity Index: 75% • Minority Students: 37%

Graduate students

15,268 students

52% Men, 48% Women
13,881 Full-time 1,387 Part-time
Diversity Index: 55% • Minority Students: 13%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

29,738
All full-time students
14,298 men, 15,440 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

15,857
Full-time undergraduate
6,917 men, 8,940 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Degree-Seeking

15,719
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
6,851 men, 8,868 women
Diversity: 75%

FT First-Time

2,744
Full-time first-time students
1,107 men, 1,637 women
Diversity: 77%

FT Continuing

12,975
Full-time continuing students
5,744 men, 7,231 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Transfer

947
Full-time transfer students
440 men, 507 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Continuing

12,028
Full-time other continuing
5,304 men, 6,724 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Non-Degree

138
Full-time non-degree seeking
66 men, 72 women
Diversity: 36%

FT Graduate

13,881
Full-time graduate students
7,381 men, 6,500 women
Diversity: 49%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,421
All part-time students
642 men, 779 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Undergraduate

34
Part-time undergraduate
17 men, 17 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Non-Degree

34
Part-time non-degree seeking
17 men, 17 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Graduate

1,387
Part-time graduate students
625 men, 762 women
Diversity: 69%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

6,372
White
839
Black/African American
1,755
Hispanic/Latino
3,296
Asian
2,421
International
Diversity Index: 75% Minority Students: 37%

Graduate students

3,046
White
377
Black/African American
533
Hispanic/Latino
1,060
Asian
9,725
International
Diversity Index: 55% Minority Students: 13%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northeastern University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 31,159 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (50.9%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 30,692 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 42% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (16:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

360 Huntington Ave

Boston, MA 02115-5005

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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