Richard Swasey is a Business professor at Northeastern University rated 3.77/5 by 502 students, with 4.02/5 difficulty and 82.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Richard Swasey professor reviews and ratings: 3.77/5 from 502 student reviews at Northeastern (82.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Swasey is extremely knowledgeable in this field and will help you if you want to learn. In general, participation is really all that matters. If you find a way to speak in his class once or twice with something valuable he will give you a good score regardless of how you test. You write how you participate on a flashcard and he notes it.FINA4524 2024-05-08 22:37:10 +0000 UTC
Hardest course I've taken at NEU but also the most rewarding. Rick KNOWS what he teaches and has experience to back it. He moves quickly but genuinely cares. If you actually want to learn and are willing to put in a LOT of hours, then please take him. If you want an easy GPA booster, then avoid. Participation matters (30%). Tbh I recommend Rick.FINA3301 2022-05-13 01:53:52 +0000 UTC
The BEST FINANCE PROFESSOR AT NORTHEASTERN! He will make you work for a good grade in his Investment Banking class and makes it clear that participation matters! You learn so much more here than in most finance classes at NEU. If you can participate and are willing to work SUPER hard, take his class (if not, then don't take it -will drop your GPA)FINA4514 2021-05-06 02:02:02 +0000 UTC
His learning technique his much more hands than other classes but I learn best from doing so this was perfect for me. He expects a lot but if you show a genuine effort than he will work with you to make sure you understand the material. He really does care about his students and is one of my favorite professors thus far.FINA2201 2018-09-06 10:15:51 +0000 UTC
Did not touch textbook all semester. Heavy on case studies and participation.FIN3301 2017-12-02 19:26:36 +0000 UTC
Very funny and entertaining guy. He has been trying to restructure course for MBA students . Class discussion great but not easy for the subject matter. Difficult to absorb and get into at least for me. I screwed up on my quizzes. So I take the blame. Just wish we had more class time not fair to students or professor. NEU needs to Change The TIME.MECON960 2014-04-27 09:16:05 +0000 UTC
Exams were not taken from class content but from the book content.ECON 2013-11-17 04:18:48 +0000 UTC
Terrific professor who truly cares about his students. Be curious, ask relevant questions, and you will learn a lot.FINA4993 2010-10-28 16:58:48 +0000 UTC
Personally, I've never been more satisfied with a grade of a B. This guy taught so many great life lessons that I will remember for years to come. He made me try my hardest in this class and even though I still got a B, I was still happy cause of what I learned.FINMA101 2010-09-07 15:45:11 +0000 UTC
Difficult professor, does not use the book at all, but still requires you to complete Aplia assignments(all book based). Places a large portion of grading on attendance and tardiness. Shows favoritism towards certain students based on non-academic factors.FINA2301 2010-08-20 19:58:33 +0000 UTC
Swasey is probably the best teacher i have ever had at NU. He knows exactly what he is talking about and really quizes you in class on the topics. Theres a lot of book work and he doesnt curve any of the grades so if you arent willing to work hardi dont recommend taking his class. He is really personable and takes time to get to know his students.FINU301 2010-03-31 03:47:33 +0000 UTC
Anyone who says he isn't a good teacher or that he his hard, welcome to college, your here to learn. Teaching personal values? Great, maybe if more people looked at life like this guy does we would all be better off. By far the best teacher ive ever had and i kick myself for not taking 301 with him, will take another class with him!FIN201 2010-02-12 09:45:33 +0000 UTC
Tough class. Professor holds high expectations. Uses realistic examples, addresses real-world issues, and respects constructive student opinions. Certainly experienced. If you're not prepared to work hard at this point in the Finance curriculum, then you're probably not fit to get a B anyway.CORPFIN 2009-12-01 12:56:28 +0000 UTC
Great Teacher!! Puts a lot of onus on the student to learn. You really get out what you put in. Teaches you a lot about personal finance, and truly cares about his students.FINN201 2009-11-19 13:12:51 +0000 UTC
very interesting professor but hard on students. during the first half of the semester you have to write a summary of one or two chapters of the book for each class, if you do all of them you'll get to have them with you for the midterm. PARTICIPATE. no final.FINA4314 2009-11-16 09:52:50 +0000 UTC
Richard Swasey has an average rating of 3.77/5 from 502 student reviews. 82.0% of students said they would take them again.
Richard Swasey's classes have a difficulty rating of 4.02/5 based on student reviews.
Richard Swasey has taught FINA4514, FINA4524, FINA4410, FINA3301, FINA2201, FINA6209, FINA6200 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.