Virtually all rankings combine objective (stats) and subjective (satisfaction, peer assessments, etc.) criteria. They also vary on whether the focus is on today’s education (U.S. News) or post-education performance (Forbes). Because the nationally competitive Northeastern of today is far different from its regional commuter school roots, it will do better on the former rather than the latter You will see a continuing rise in Northeastern’s performance in the latter type of assessment over the next ten to twenty years until the student body of the last 10 years or so and beyond have established mid-career benchmarks.
The bottom line is that the Northeastern of today has rapidly established itself as competitive with many schools that traditionally have carried greater prestige. It’s not among the incredibly elite (top 25 or so schools, however, you choose to define them), but it is competitive or better with virtually every other university at a general level (also remembering that “lesser schools” may have killer programs in particular fields and be a better choice for those that know they want to be in those domains). It may not win out in the end, but an NEU admission offer should at least be considered by most students that are also accepted to the other schools mentioned on this thread. Consider the strength of individual programs, finances, campus environment, geographical preference, etc. Prestige will follow you if you perform.