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�鶹����'s first-year retention rate rose to 65% this fall, its highest level since 2020.

The rate increased from 60.2% last year, a 4.8-percentage-point gain in one year.

Retention is especially significant at �鶹����, where the average student is 26 years old and many students balance college with jobs, family and other responsibilities.

"�鶹���� students bring purpose, determination and life experience," said President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D. "Many are working, supporting families and managing responsibilities outside the classroom. Helping more of them stay on track toward a degree with as little debt as possible is an important measure of our progress."

The University has made retention a priority by strengthening advising and early intervention, reducing financial and administrative barriers, and making student services easier to navigate. Additionally, Northeastern is launching a new One Stop Center later this year to further improve student support services.

Several student populations posted gains. African American/Black enrollment increased 10% to 782 students, Asian enrollment increased 11% to 524, and white enrollment increased 5% to 1,401. Among first-year students, 42% identify as Latino/a/e/x and 30% as African American/Black. The median high school GPA is 3.0. �鶹���� enrolled 5,674 students for Fall 2026, down 2% from last fall. Students are taking 55,345 credit hours, nearly meeting the University's Fall credit-hour goal.

Transfer students remain a key part of Northeastern's enrollment strategy. Forty-one percent of new transfer students identify as Latino/a/e/x. 

�鶹���� is also expanding its academic offerings to meet changing workforce needs.

Launched this fall, Northeastern's new Doctor of Education in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry — housed in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education — exceeded its inaugural cohort enrollment goal and is preparing educators and administrators to lead change in urban schools and higher education.

A new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in the College of Business and Technology will give students practical, career-focused preparation in AI, data and emerging technologies for a rapidly changing workforce.

The University is developing a Master of Science in Nursing, Entry into Practice for students with bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields. The program will feature a mixed-reality simulation lab at Northeastern’s El Centro location and help address nursing workforce needs in Chicago and the region.

“These programs reflect the direction �鶹���� is moving,” said President Bell-Jordan. “We are responding to workforce demand while continuing to provide accessible, high-quality pathways to degrees that lead to meaningful careers.”

Northeastern continues to navigate a changing regulatory environment. At the same time, the University is focused on improving persistence, strengthening transfer and adult-student pathways, and expanding graduate enrollment.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Kiantra D. Loza, Ed.D., who joined �鶹���� in August, is leading new recruitment and enrollment initiatives focused on removing barriers and improving the student experience.

"Our goal is not simply to enroll students," said President Bell-Jordan. "It is to help them stay, graduate with low debt and use their education to build the future they want."

Top photo: Two people in �鶹����'s Alumni Hall smiling and making peace signs with their hands.