Where is Northeastern University located?

July 4, 2024

By Eric Eng

Northeastern University is the largest university in the United States with over 38,000 students. Founded by the Boston Young Men’s Christian Association, it started as an all-male institute, became Northeastern College in 1916, and gained university status in 1922.

Where are the Northeastern University Campuses?
How big is the Northeastern University main campus?
Is the Northeastern University private or public?
What are the facilities available at Northeastern University?
What is outside the Northeastern University campus?
What are the famous landmarks inside the Northeastern University campus?
How does the Northeastern University impact Boston, Massachusetts?

Where are the Northeastern University Campuses?

Northeastern University is a large, highly residential school that has a lively campus life. It has several satellite campuses which provide unique opportunities and experiences for students, depending on their interests. These campuses add to the Northeastern experience or their Global University System.

Boston, Massachusetts

The main campus, situated in the heart of Boston, is the university’s founding campus and central hub. It is located along Huntington Avenue and Columbus Avenue, near the Fenway–Kenmore and Roxbury neighborhoods.

Main Campus Address: 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

London, England

The London campus is Northeastern’s European center for the Network Science Institute. Students here can pursue a U.S./U.K. double degree in four years.

Oakland, California

Home to the Mills Institute, the 135-acre Bay Area campus integrates education and research with the region’s entrepreneurial, tech, and social impact communities.

Arlington, Virginia

This campus focuses on technical innovation, security, defense, and policy. It partners with government, industry, and nonprofits to prepare students for future leadership roles.

Burlington, Massachusetts

Burlington hosts Northeastern’s research laboratories and offers a collaborative environment for industry, government, and university partnerships. This campus specializes in areas like national security, cybersecurity, manufacturing, and data analytics.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is home to Northeastern’s Center for Health Sciences and is the only R1 research university in the city. This campus uses connections across various sectors to design relevant health sciences and healthcare programs.

Miami, Florida

The Miami campus focuses on integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation. It collaborates with local communities to drive change and solve problems.

Nahant, Massachusetts

The Coastal Sustainability Institute in Nahant addresses issues such as sea-level rise, coastal pollution, and collapsing fisheries. The institute’s multidisciplinary approach involves scientific, technological, societal, and policy-level studies to protect coastal resources.

Portland, Maine

The Roux Institute in Portland has graduate programs in computer science, engineering, and data analytics. It helps students build and refresh skills for career advancement.

Silicon Valley, California

In Silicon Valley, Northeastern provides master’s programs in programming, computer science, and data science, open to students from any undergraduate background.

Seattle, WA

Northeastern University’s Seattle campus offers programs in computer science, engineering, data analytics, and professional studies. Seattle campus is the perfect environment for students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge learning and innovation.

London UK

Overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge, Northeastern University London (NU London) students can pursue a variety of degree programs including BSc (Hons) Business, BSc (Hons) Data Science, BSc (Hons) Economics, BA (Hons) English, BA (Hons) History, LLB (Hons) Law, BA (Hons) Philosophy, BSc (Hons) Politics & International Relations and many more!

Toronto, ON

The Toronto campus offers Master’s programs such as Project Management, Regulatory Affairs, Analytics, Informatics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Cyber-Physical Systems (Internet of Things), and Information Systems (software engineering).

Vancouver, BC

With Northeastern University’s global network focused on fast-growth, tech-driven hubs, it is the perfect school to pursue master’s programs in Vancouver. The degree programs align with local industry needs and prepare professionals for in-demand roles. Students gain hands-on experience with local employers, building valuable relationships before graduation.

How big is the Northeastern University main campus?

Northeastern University’s main campus is in a large city and spans 73 acres (30 hectares). Despite its size, the campus maintains a welcoming environment with its abundance of green spaces, so that it feels like a smaller, close-knit community. This atmosphere is the best of both worlds: a personal, campus experience right in the heart of one of the United States’ most historic, healthiest, and innovative cities.

Is the Northeastern University private or public?

Northeastern University is a private research institution. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and is known for its high research activity. The university is also a Boston Consortium for Higher Education member and has a comprehensive liberal arts education combined with practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Northeastern’s Cooperative Education Program, or “co-op,” is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other top-tier universities. The co-op program integrates classroom learning with career-related experiences so students have the chance to alternate between six months of academic study and six months of work in their field of interest. This program extends globally, with opportunities in 148 countries since 2006.

The co-op program’s strong reputation guarantees that Northeastern graduates are highly sought after. 93% of graduates are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of finishing their degree. Participation in the co-op program is not mandatory, but nearly all students take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

Northeastern has over 90 majors available, including popular fields like business, marketing, engineering, and biological sciences. Computer science and bioengineering are among the fastest-growing majors.

What are the facilities available at Northeastern University?

Northeastern University in general has a set of facilities and services to support students. These include nonremedial tutoring, daycare services, health services, and health insurance. For safety, the campus has 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late-night transport and escort services, emergency telephones, well-lit pathways, student patrols, and secure dormitory access.

Arlington Campus

Northeastern University’s Arlington campus in Rosslyn has modern, flexible learning spaces on the 15th floor of the Arlington Tower. They have a free fitness center, a rooftop area with views, bicycle lockers with repair supplies, and a café. The 14th floor hosts the Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security. The campus has easy access to historical landmarks like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Pentagon.

Boston Campus

The Boston campus has top-tier facilities. Students can explore public art, personalize their student life, and enjoy exciting game nights at the Huskies DogHouse.

Snell Library: A newly renovated space equipped with best-in-class technologies, tools, and resources for collaborative work.
Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex: This 220,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility promotes high-impact collaborations across science, technology, and engineering.
Marino Recreation Center: Recognized as one of the top 10 recreational facilities in the country, it offers state-of-the-art recreation and fitness amenities.
Matthews Arena: Northeastern and Boston’s historic sports arena, which is home to Huskies hockey and basketball teams.

Burlington Campus

The Burlington campus has several specialized facilities to support research, education, and industry collaboration:

APEC Center of Excellence: The only center in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to integrating industry with the Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation’s 21 member countries. It provides education and training for pharmaceutical industry regulators.
Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Lab: Trains students and professionals in using advanced technologies like liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to make sure the quality and safety of biotherapeutics.
Building V: A $70 million, mixed-use research building offering over 40,000 square feet for university, industry, and government research partners, plus convening space for 350 people and a 10,000-square-foot maker space.
Cold Spray Laboratory: Utilizes cold spray technology for additive manufacturing to repair and strengthen military and commercial equipment.
Colosseum RF Channel Emulator: The world’s largest radiofrequency channel emulator, developed by DARPA, for building and testing advanced wireless technologies.
Expeditionary Cyber and Unmanned Aircraft Systems R&D Facility: Focuses on surveillance, cybersecurity, and disaster response, with facilities for developing and testing unmanned aerial systems and related technologies.
Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security: Collaborates with the U.S. military and industry partners to address complex security needs.
Life Sciences Testing Center: A state-of-the-art lab providing COVID testing and research opportunities, as Northeastern’s first clinically certified laboratory.
STReSS Laboratory: Tests large-scale structures and materials to failure, essential for developing resilient and sustainable systems.
Venture Creation Center: Supports early-stage companies with a low-rise facility and wet laboratory.
Video Analytics Laboratory: Develops video and sensor technologies for homeland security, featuring secure access and a flexible camera grid.

Charlotte Campus

Northeastern University’s Charlotte campus is located in the South End neighborhood, occupying the 8th and 9th floors of The Line at 2151 Hawkins Street. The 24,000-square-foot space includes:

State-of-the-art Classrooms: Equipped with modern technology.
Clinical Training Areas: Featuring nursing simulation labs for hands-on practice.
Collaboration and Study Areas: Designed for students to collaborate, study, and network with peers or employers.
Flexible Spaces: Configurable for small or large gatherings.

The campus also benefits from its location in a healthcare hub which offers numerous opportunities to build careers in the healthcare sector. The neighborhood also boasts stunning outdoor spaces, an eclectic arts scene, and world-class arts venues.

London, UK campus

The London campus is located at Devon House in St Katharine Docks, central London. This prime location is just a short walk from iconic sites such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, as well as the City, London’s central business district.

Northeastern University Digital Library: Provides access to over 800,000 e-books and 100,000 electronic journals, igniting student interests and sparking creativity.
Devon House Collection: On-site library resources specifically for Northeastern University London students. The Devon House is designed to an exceptional standard. The flexible spaces can be adapted for various purposes and group sizes, accommodating two to 200 people.
City of London Libraries: Full membership access to libraries at the Barbican Centre, Shoe Lane, and Artizan Street, offering study space, wifi, printing, and borrowing privileges.
Senate House Library: As part of the University of London, this library supports arts and humanities research with over three million items. Northeastern University London students have full access to its services.
The British Library: Students are eligible for a reader’s card, granting access to one of the world’s greatest research libraries, which holds copies of all new books published in the UK.

Miami, FL campus

The Miami campus is located in the biggest creative community in the U.S., the Wynwood neighborhood. It is known for its art, fashion, and creativity. The campus is surrounded by colorful street art, trendy shops, and innovative businesses, giving students plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with the local culture.

Nearby, the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science provides a great place for students to discover new scientific ideas and work on their research. This location combines academic excellence with a rich cultural experience, making it a great place for students to grow and succeed.

Nahant, MA

Northeastern University’s Coastal Sustainability Institute (CSI) is in Nahant, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. This institute is perfect for studying coastal ecosystems, with modern facilities and a large collection of ocean-species DNA. Researchers collaborate globally, including with the University of Havana in Cuba, to protect coastal habitats.

The Marine Science Center, a 27,000-square-foot research hub at CSI, features advanced labs, a seawater facility, experimental tanks, a greenhouse, a dive center, classrooms, and shoreline access. These resources enable significant discoveries in marine science.

Another key part of CSI is the Ocean Genome Legacy (OGL), which holds DNA from over 20,000 marine species. OGL focuses on preserving marine biodiversity and provides researchers worldwide with crucial genomic materials for protecting coastal ecosystems.

Oakland, CA

Northeastern University’s Oakland campus is closely connected to the City of Oakland and the Bay Area. The campus features 65 historic and modern buildings, with 47,600 square feet of academic and lab space.

Students can find inspiration at top museums like the Asian Art Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Science enthusiasts can explore the Chabot Space & Science Center, the Exploratorium, and Tech Interactive.

The F. W. Olin Library, filled with natural light, is the campus’s hub for research and scholarship, with extensive collections and digital resources.

The Betty Irene Moore Natural Sciences Building supports women in science with advanced labs and educational spaces. Students can conduct research with faculty mentors in this eco-friendly facility.

The Nondenominational Chapel, built in 1967, is a peaceful space for reflection and community events.

The Mills College Children’s School offers hands-on teaching experience for students in early childhood education, focusing on social justice and equity.

The Community Farm spans 2.5 acres of organic agriculture, allowing students to engage in sustainable farming and sell produce at the weekly farmstand.

Sports and recreation facilities include the Hellman Soccer Field, Meyer Tennis Center, Trefethen Aquatic Center, Fitness Center, and Haas Gymnasium. These facilities are open to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, with some available to the public by reservation.

Portland, ME

Northeastern University’s Roux Institute campus is situated at 100 Fore Street in Portland’s historic Old Port neighborhood, just 90 minutes north of Boston. The campus spans 88,000 square feet on the waterfront, with easy access to top restaurants, bars, and museums. Students can also enjoy nearby beaches and mountains.

Seattle, WA

The Seattle regional campus, established in 2013, is located in the vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood. This area is home to many companies and institutions that align with the university’s vision, so it is a hotspot for cutting-edge thought leaders who drive new technologies and research.

Located at 401 and 225 Terry Avenue North, the campus is a part of the dynamic South Lake Union community. Northeastern is Washington State’s first private research university.

Silicon Valley, CA

Northeastern University’s Silicon Valley campus is located at 4 N. 2nd Street and 75 E Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose. This modern, renovated facility features multimedia classrooms, collaboration spaces, a recreation center, and a game room.

The campus spans multiple floors in two office towers, offering plenty of space for studying, meetings, and classes. Students can pursue tech-focused degree and certificate programs taught by industry experts, tailored to the needs of Silicon Valley. Amenities include a fitness center, game room, reservable spaces, bike storage, and a courtyard.

Toronto, ON

Northeastern University’s Toronto campus, the university’s first international location, is home to over 1,400 students and 100 staff and faculty.

Vancouver, BC

The Vancouver campus is based at 400 West Georgia St., a new, state-of-the-art tower in downtown Vancouver. Designed by Westbank, this 24-story office tower features clusters of four-story steel-framed cubes arranged around a central core, offering a modern and innovative space for students and faculty. The new downtown location reflects Northeastern’s commitment to cutting-edge education and community engagement in Vancouver.

What is outside the Northeastern University campus?

Northeastern University has 13 campuses, each in a unique locations. It’s important to research the campus you’re interested in to plan your student life effectively.

For example, the Boston campus is surrounded by various neighborhoods, each with its own character. Consider factors like proximity to campus, rental budget, and access to public transportation when choosing where to live.

Outside the Boston campus, you’ll find cultural sites, parks, and a vibrant arts scene. Public transportation makes it easy to get around and explore the city.

Other campuses, like Seattle and Vancouver, are in urban centers. The Seattle campus in South Lake Union is near tech companies and research institutions, and a community of innovators will surround you. The Vancouver campus, located in a modern downtown tower, offers easy access to restaurants, bars, museums, and natural landscapes.

Northeastern’s Toronto campus, in the heart of the city, has many professional and cultural opportunities.

No matter which Northeastern campus you choose, you’ll find a thriving community and plenty of activities and amenities nearby. Research your specific campus to prepare for your student life and make the most of your time at Northeastern University.

What are the famous landmarks inside the Northeastern University campus?

Northeastern University’s Boston campus is rich in history, art, and unique spots that students and visitors alike can enjoy. Here are some of the most notable landmarks:

Cy Young Statue: This bronze statue honors the legendary pitcher Cy Young and marks the site of the first World Series held in 1903. Located outside the Cabot Center, it stands on the original pitcher’s mound of the Huntington Avenue Grounds, connecting the campus to its historic past.
Reclining Figure: Just next to the Curry Student Center, this bronze sculpture was created by Blake Edwards, the famous director of the Pink Panther movies. The sculpture adds a touch of artistic charm to the campus and is a hidden gem for art enthusiasts.
The ‘Marry Me’ Brick: Among the commemorative bricks in Centennial Common is one with a unique message: “Lar, will you marry me? L.P.F.” This brick stands out among the names of donors and adds a personal touch to the campus pathways.
Curry Student Center Roof Terrace: A lesser-known study spot, the roof terrace of the Curry Student Center provides a quiet place for students to relax and study, especially enjoyable during the crisp fall days.
Cullinane Hall: Recently updated with new study spaces and food trucks available Monday through Wednesday evenings, Cullinane Hall offers a place for students to study and grab a bite.
Underground Tunnel Network: One of the campus’s best-kept secrets, this 16,705-square-foot network of tunnels connects 11 buildings, including Cabot Gym, Dodge Hall, Ell Hall, Richards Hall, and Snell Library. It is a convenient way to get around campus, especially during bad weather.
Parsons Field and Friedman Diamond: Located in Brookline, these fields are home to Northeastern’s soccer and baseball teams. They are accessible via a scenic 30-minute walk along the Emerald Necklace, a beautiful chain of parks and waterways in Boston.
Museum of Fine Arts: Just off-campus on Huntington Avenue, this museum gives free admission to students, faculty, and staff.

How does Northeastern University impact Boston, Massachusetts?

Northeastern’s economic impact is substantial due to its size and the spending power of its faculty and staff. With 6,000 employees, including 469 city residents who contribute over $559,000 annually in municipal taxes, the university injects millions of dollars into the Boston economy. This daily purchasing power supports local businesses and services, bolstering the city’s economic health.

Since its founding over a century ago in the Boston YMCA, Northeastern has maintained a strong commitment to civic engagement and community service. The university’s investments in local students, neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations significantly enhance the vitality of Boston. This partnership with the community is central to Northeastern’s ethos, emphasizing mutual growth and support.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Northeastern played a big role in understanding and addressing the economic challenges faced by Bostonians. Surveys conducted by the university documented substantial job and income losses, highlighting disparities across different communities. Northeastern’s research and data-driven approach helped shed light on these issues, informing efforts to mitigate the pandemic’s impact and addressing preexisting inequities.

Northeastern University excels in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and combining classroom learning with real-world experiences. The curriculum is enforced by experiential learning through research, and professional, global, and service experiences, helping students explore their paths, find their passions, and gain essential skills.

Northeastern’s co-op program and the XN learning platform give industry-aligned experiences to allow students to work with industry sponsors on short-term projects. Northeastern’s focus on experiential learning guarantees that students are well-equipped for lifelong success, blending academic and practical experiences to help them excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Northeastern University a prestigious university?

Yes. Northeastern University is one of the best universities with high competition. It is ranked #53 in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges in the National Universities category.

2. Is Northeastern difficult to get into?

Yes, Northeastern University is very competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 7%. Applicants who are admitted typically have SAT scores between 1440 and 1550 or ACT scores between 33 and 35.

3. What are the most popular majors at Northeastern University?

The most popular majors at Northeastern University include: