Undergraduate Scholarships
Northeastern University offers a wide range of scholarships to reward the outstanding achievements of incoming freshman students.
Students are not required to complete the financial aid applications to be considered for a merit-based scholarship.
Many scholarships require the signing of a contract of understanding, which is included with the offer of financial assistance. Most full tuition scholarships (including the Torch, BPHS, BHA, and Balfour Scholarships) require a minimum of 100 hours of community service each year. The Center of Community Service at Northeastern provides students with the tools and resources necessary to achieve success in this program.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Northeastern University Scholars Program
The Northeastern University Scholars Program is a full tuition scholarship program limited to 75 incoming undergraduates who have distinguished themselves academically, who have demonstrated curiosity and creativity that extend far beyond the classroom to impact the world around them, and who have displayed an entrepreneurial approach to study, achievement, and life. The Program is intended to address the interests of students who demand to be challenged, are passionate about learning, and will innovate when given the freedom to explore.
All students who apply by the January 15 regular decision deadline are considered for The University Scholars Program. There is no separate application. Students invited to join The University Scholars Program are notified through their admission letter. Click here for more information about this Program.
Northeastern University's National Merit and National Achievement Scholarships
Admitted freshman applicants who are designated National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) are eligible to receive up to full tuition scholarships from Northeastern.* Scholarship recipients must be U.S. citizens or documented permanent residents, admitted to Northeastern and should designate us as your college choice to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by April 13. We will award our first group of scholarships in early March to students who were admitted Early Action. In addition to designating Northeastern as your college choice, you may send Northeastern a copy of any certificates or letters that you receive from the NMSC for your admissions file. These documents can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via fax or email. Fax number: Undergraduate Admissions, 617-373-8780 Email: nationalscholar@neu.edu. Northeastern National Merit and National Achievement Scholars will also be invited into The University Honors Program.
*Northeastern will combine any scholarship(s) which Finalists receive from NMSC with the Northeastern award to total up to full tuition. In 2012, approximately 100 National Merit Finalists and National Achievement Finalists enrolled at Northeastern with full-tuition scholarships.
Northeastern National Hispanic Scholarships
Admitted freshman applicants who are designated National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) are eligible to receive up to full tuition scholarships from Northeastern. Scholarship recipients must be U.S. citizens or documented permanent residents and submit NHRP Scholar documentation to Undergraduate Admissions via fax (617-373-8780) or email nationalscholar@neu.edu by February 1. We will award our first group of scholarships in early March to students who were admitted Early Action. Northeastern National Hispanic Scholars will also be invited into The University Honors Program.
Merit Scholarships
The top 25 percent of admitted freshman applicants may be considered for competitive merit scholarships, including the prestigious Dean's Scholarship. These scholarship awards range from $5,000–$20,000 for the first year. In future years, amounts are awarded on a per semester basis, ranging from $2,500–$10,000 per full semester.
Educational Opportunity Scholarships
Torch Scholars
Torch is dedicated to closing the achievement gap for first-generation, low-income students from diverse backgrounds through a full scholarship and a comprehensive support program that improves the college retention rate, leadership opportunities, social capital, and academic achievement of our students.
Continuing a century-old commitment to educational access, the Torch Scholars Program is a bold and innovative scholarship initiative awarded to students who have overcome exceptional odds and who demonstrate the potential to excel academically. The Program includes a Summer Immersion Program prior to freshman year. Torch Scholars receive full tuition, fees, and room and board as well as significant personal and academic support. Students must be nominated by an education professional, such as a guidance counselor.
Boston Public High School Scholarships
Students attending a Boston Public High School and who are in the top 10 percent of their high school class and demonstrate exceptional academic and personal achievement including leadership skills, community involvement, strong work ethic, resiliency, or other qualities indicative of the ability to contribute to Northeastern's diverse and vibrant community may qualify for this scholarship. BPHS scholarships include full tuition, room and board. Students must be nominated by their high school guidance office or headmaster.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Renewal
Merit scholarships are renewed annually as long as the student is attending classes as a full-time student and maintains the cumulative grade point average required for the scholarship. Most scholarships are awarded for a total of eight semesters of study. Students in the PharmD and PT programs are awarded most scholarship funds in the sixth year of the program. (During the six year of these programs, the per-semester tuition charge is less than the rate charged during the undergraduate years. As a result, the scholarship amount in the sixth year of the program is prorated based on the actual tuition charges.)
All merit scholarship recipients must have an exit interview with a financial aid counselor if they require a leave of absence from the University. Leaves of absence can be granted for up to one year, but must be approved by the Office of Student Financial Services. If a leave exceeds one year, the merit scholarship will be forfeited.
Scholarship Probation
Grade point averages (GPA) are reviewed at the end of the Spring semester. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below the required standard are allowed one academic semester of probation. During the probation semester, the student will receive the scholarship. If the student fails to attain the required GPA after the probationary semester, the scholarship will be cancelled. If the student has financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a portion of the scholarship may be returned in the form of a Northeastern Grant. The student may regain the scholarship by bringing his/her cumulative GPA above the required standard.
Students are only eligible for one probationary period. Students who lose their scholarship for academic or other reasons can submit an appeal in writing to their financial aid counselor, explaining the special circumstances to be considered. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Scholarship Appeals Committee. All decisions are final.
