Michael Ruff is an Accounting professor at Northeastern University rated 4.05/5 on Rate My Professors by 56 students, with 3.56/5 RMP difficulty and 73.6% who would take them again (RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated October 2026).
Michael Ruff professor reviews and ratings: 4.05/5 from 56 RMP ratings at Northeastern (73.6% would take again). RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
He is a very chill professor, but his lectures were not always helpful, as he just writes stuff on the chalkboard without really explaining the reasoning behind it, and his handwriting is extremely messy. The exams are not too bad as long as you prepare effectively, and he is very lenient with partial credit on the short-answer questions.ACCT1209 2026-04-15 09:54:58 +0000 UTC
Great professor. The material is difficult, you have to pay attention in class and take your time on the homework. Prof Mike is really sweet, cares about his students, if you participate once in a while he will really like you. His handwriting is really bad, but besides that the class is awesome! Highly recommend.ACCT1201 2026-04-14 20:33:36 +0000 UTC
Prof Mike is incredibly sweet, yet unfortunately he's unable to stay on topic during classes and is the stereotypical "chalkboard professor" to a fault. He gives no study guides or practice exams, and the tests are nothing like the homework and almost always like the work done in class, so if you actively participate, you'll be golden.ACC1201 2026-03-25 21:35:27 +0000 UTC
he is so funny and teaches so goodECON1900 2022-07-11 21:08:24 +0000 UTC
His class was by far my favorite and he goes out of his way to make it more interesting. He also wants you to do well and if youve put in the work hell try his best to get you a high grade.ACCT2201 2021-05-05 14:48:08 +0000 UTC
Literally the nicest professor I've had here at NEU. Definitely cares a lot about his students and how well they're doing in class. All this being said, he isn't the BEST at explaining content, but the class is primarily reading the chapters so mostly independent studying. Participate in class and he'll help you out on your final grade!ACCTG1201 2018-10-18 15:58:55 +0000 UTC
Prof Ruff is a super nice teacher and really cares about his students. He is very reasonable and listens to his students. The homework can sometimes take a few hours and make you want to tear your hair out. His tests are pretty tricky and his lectures are very boring. My best advice is to practice the problems he gives you in class over and over!ACCT1203 2018-05-08 20:22:06 +0000 UTC
Prof. Ruff is a very kind person and really cares about his students, attendance is mandatory. He is willing to explain any of your confusion... about the course. Highly recommend.ACCT1202 2017-05-11 22:27:49 +0000 UTC
Prof Ruff is a great dude, not the best teacher by any means, but a great guy. If you haven't taken accounting beforehand or you don't learn by reading the textbook outside of class, this class - despite Ruff being a good guy - is a hard pass. He's a tough grader for how little he actually conveys in class and the homeworks aren't even relevant.ACCT2001 2016-11-26 12:50:52 +0000 UTC
He is Very nice person, he is doing well in preparing all the materials in the class, but he does NOT know how to teach you the train of thought.He will just write down the answer on the assignment and barely explain it at all. There is a gap between teaching and homeworkACCT1209 2025-12-20 01:07:57 +0000 UTC
Definition of a goofy guy. Michael know how to balance the line of work and play. Ma boy also gender neautral af luh you Prof Ruff, would love to light one up w you fooACCT1201 2026-03-23 03:13:23 +0000 UTC
Not the best at lecturing or explaining the actual concepts, but very caring and understanding. He gives a lot of extra credit if you participate and practice resources, but most of the actual learning has to be done but the student. Really nice guy but he should probably retire.ACC1201 2024-05-07 14:56:17 +0000 UTC
As many have said, Accounting in itself is not an easy one. But Prof Ruff helps you understand the material. Do your homework, LearnSmart, etc and you will pass. Going through end of chapter exercises will really help in quizzes/exams. Engage as much as you can during class! Prof Ruff is someone who genuinely cares for those who are keen to learn.ECON1900 2021-08-03 02:31:28 +0000 UTC
Prof Mike is great! The way the class is structured you only need to do homework once a week pretty much. The content can be confusing, but he does a decent job at explaining each topic well, as well as talking through problems. Make sure you participate!! He is a fair grader, and if you stay decently on top of your work you will do really wellACCT1209 2024-12-10 22:37:35 +0000 UTC
He's a chiller, kind and sweet guy.ACCT1201 2026-02-04 22:29:37 +0000 UTC
Michael Ruff is rated 4.05/5 on Rate My Professors from 56 ratings. 73.6% of RMP reviewers said they would take them again.
Michael Ruff's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.56/5 on Rate My Professors.
Michael Ruff has taught ACCT1201, ACCT3401, ACCT5453, ACCT6221, ACCT6253, ACCT1209 at Northeastern.
Data updated October 2026.