It is a tier 3 university which has manipulated statistics to show itself as a tier 2 university.
15 Things to Know About U.S. News' College Rankings » The College SolutionThe College Solution
Here's what happened when Boston tried to assign students good schools close to home - News @ Northeastern
Which College is Right for You? - The 5 Tiers of Schools | Ivy Scholars
FAQ: What is a Tier 1 University
Undergraduate Admissions | Northeastern University