Tracking our Progress
To assist in understanding what work remains for the university in achieving our ongoing diversity goals, Northeastern has researched U.S. Census data and compared it to its racial and ethnic demographic data. The accompanying graphs provide a view of Northeastern’s racial and ethnic makeup among traditionally underrepresented groups and projects how those specific demographics might change if Northeastern is successful in its overall educational goals and diversity efforts. As this information makes clear, there is much work to be done if we want to make Northeastern a truly diverse university across all spectrums, and we’re committed to making real progress by 2026.
About our holistic assessment process: This information does not reflect, and is not intended to imply, that Northeastern seeks to meet any specific numerical goal regarding race and ethnicity. Northeastern already admits students, and hires faculty and staff, through a robust, holistic process that considers a number of different factors. Some of those factors are demographic, which include not only race and ethnicity, but also socio-economic status and geographic region. Other factors include personal skills, contributions to the community, and leadership. It is not Northeastern’s intention, and it will not be Northeastern’s practice, to replace that holistic assessment of the individual with a process focused exclusively on any one criterion.
View comprehensive demographic data >
Student, Faculty, and Staff Representation
By 2026, the racial diversity of our incoming U.S. students and newly-hired faculty and staff will more closely reflect that of the national citizenry. To achieve these goals for students, we’re establishing thoughtful recruitment and financial aid strategies to engage prospective students within the groups represented in the data below—particularly Black and Hispanic people—and creating opportunities open to anyone regardless of socioeconomic status. For faculty, we’re focused on increasing the percentage of new hires from underrepresented groups. And for staff, we’re reforming hiring, retention, and HR protocols, including the creation of new workforce development programs that ensure robust career pathways for people of all backgrounds within our community.
Data is updated annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 2019.
