Northeastern University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for a private university like Northeastern can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation families trying to navigate costs on their own. This guide breaks down every type of scholarship at Northeastern in plain English—from automatic merit and selective full-ride programs to research and ROTC opportunities—so you know what’s realistic and where to focus. You can also compare options with our Massachusetts state aid guide and the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Northeastern University
| Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (full-time) | $67,990 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,299 |
| Housing (average) | $13,148 |
| Meals (average) | $8,900 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $900 |
| Personal Expenses | $900 |
| Total (before aid) | $94,137 |
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition at Northeastern?
Since Northeastern is private, there’s no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition—all students pay the same base rate.
How much do most families really pay?
The federal net price of $34,770 is the average after scholarships and grants. Your cost may be higher or lower depending on your family’s income and aid package.
Do I need the FAFSA or CSS Profile?
Yes. Northeastern requires both the CSS Profile and FAFSA for financial aid consideration, and some academic scholarships also hinge on submitting the CSS Profile on time.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Typically $5,000–$10,000 per year* | Admitted National Merit Finalists who designate Northeastern as their first choice | No | Yes (good standing required) | Finalists admitted to NU who file first-choice designation on time |
| National Recognition Program Scholarship | Estimated $5,000–$15,000 per year* | Admitted students with College Board National Recognition (first-gen, rural, etc.) | No (email documentation to admissions) | Yes (good standing required) | Students admitted with official designation who submit proof by priority date |
Northeastern participates in the National Merit Scholarship program.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need a separate application for merit scholarships?
No. With the exception of special programs like Torch Scholars, most Northeastern merit awards are considered automatically during admission.
Does Northeastern superscore test results?
Yes. Northeastern will superscore both the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across test dates when reviewing for admission and scholarships.
Can merit awards be stacked with need-based aid?
In many cases, yes—merit aid combines with need-based grants. But full-cost awards like Torch or Stamps replace other university funding.
What GPA do I need to keep my scholarship?
Northeastern does not publish a set GPA, but scholarships require “good academic standing” and full-time enrollment to renew.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships
Northeastern’s flagship scholarships recognize the very top applicants with significant merit awards. These are the university’s most competitive merit scholarships—some are automatic at admission, while others require nomination or invitation. All are highly selective and replace other university merit funding if awarded.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Flagship | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? / Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean’s Scholarship | $10,000–$28,000 per year* | Prestigious merit award granted to a select group of admitted students | Top admitted applicants (resident or nonresident) | No — considered automatically | Yes; renewable for up to 8 semesters if in good standing. Winners are academically exceptional admits with leadership or service signals. |
| Stamps Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance (multi-year) | Prestigious national scholarship; invitation-only application and interview process | Top admitted students (resident or nonresident) | Yes — invited semifinalists complete Stamps application steps | Yes; strong academics, leadership, and impact profile. Very small cohort; replaces other NU awards. |
| Torch Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance + mentoring and support | Nomination-based, holistic review, interviews; highly selective | First-generation, high-potential students who have overcome obstacles | Yes — Torch nomination and application (deadlines posted annually) | Yes; renewal tied to program standing. Winners are resilient, high-achieving first-gen students; replaces other NU funding. |
| Ujima Global Leaders Program | Tuition scholarship support (amount varies) | Leadership and diversity-focused cohort program; selective admission | Admitted students demonstrating leadership and service in diverse/global contexts | No separate scholarship app; program selection process applies | Yes; renewal requires active participation. Chosen for leadership, service, and strong academics. |
*Dean’s Scholarship dollar ranges are based on recent admitted student reports; Northeastern does not publish official amounts. Actual awards may differ year to year.
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
How many students usually win these scholarships?
Northeastern does not publish numbers, but Dean’s Scholarships are awarded to a larger subset of top admits, while Stamps and Torch cohorts are very small. Ujima admits a modest cohort of student leaders.
Do these replace other scholarships?
Yes. Full-cost awards like Stamps and Torch replace other university scholarships. Dean’s and Ujima may stack or adjust depending on your overall aid package.
Can I apply directly?
Dean’s and Ujima are automatic from the admitted pool. Torch requires a nomination and application. Stamps is invitation-only after admission.
Are these only for Massachusetts students?
No. All of Northeastern’s flagship awards are open to both resident and nonresident students.
⭐ College Specialty
Northeastern is best known for blending classroom learning with real-world experience through its renowned co-op program. For first-generation families, that means your student doesn’t just graduate with a degree—they graduate with a résumé. Alongside the experiential model, Northeastern also shines nationally in technology and health sciences, with strong research activity and industry pipelines.
- Experiential Learning & Co-op: Ranked #1 in U.S. News for Co-op/Internship programs (2024), Northeastern is nationally recognized for making career experience central to every major.
- Health Sciences & Pharmacy: Bouvé College of Health Sciences is highly regarded in New England for nursing, pharmacy, and public health, with strong ties to Boston’s medical hub.
- Business (D’Amore-McKim School): Consistently ranked among the top 50 U.S. undergraduate business schools (U.S. News 2024), with strengths in international business and supply chain management.
- Robotics & Artificial Intelligence: The Institute for Experiential Robotics and Roux Institute collaborations place Northeastern at the forefront of applied robotics and AI research.
🎖️ Honors College
Northeastern’s John Martinson Honors Program invites top students into a tight-knit academic community that combines rigorous coursework with exclusive funding, mentorship, and global opportunities. For first-generation families, this means your student can access not only smaller classes and priority registration but also specialized scholarships and grants designed to open doors to research and international experiences.
Students are usually in the top 5–10% of the admitted pool, with near-perfect GPAs and the most rigorous schedules (AP/IB/dual enrollment). If scores are submitted, they often land at 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT*. Leadership, service, and alignment with Northeastern’s experiential model also matter.
- Priority registration and dedicated Honors housing
- Exclusive small seminars with faculty
- Funding for research, co-op, and global programs
- Capstone and thesis support with faculty mentorship
- Special Honors advising and leadership development
Named Honors Program Scholarships & Funding 🏆
| Scholarship / Award | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Scholarships (George Alden Trust, Amelia Peabody) | Partial tuition support; varies by year | Honors students in good standing with demonstrated financial need | Yes — internal Honors application | Typically annual review | Students balancing strong academics with financial need |
| Global Support Fund | Up to $6,000 | First-year Honors students pursuing approved global experiences | Yes — proposal submitted through Honors office | One-time | Honors first-years planning Dialogue of Civilizations, study abroad, or global co-op |
| Martinson Global Grants | Partial funding (amount varies) | Honors students admitted after first year seeking global experiences | Yes — Honors funding proposal | One-time | Later-joining Honors students who secure study abroad or co-op opportunities |
| PEAK Experiences Fellowships | $1,000–$2,000 | All undergraduates, with priority support for Honors members | Yes — via Undergraduate Research & Fellowships | One-time per tier | Honors students with structured research or creative projects and faculty mentors |
| Joseph A. Coolidge Award | Partial tuition or stipend; varies | Honors students majoring in physical sciences or mathematics | Yes — departmental/Honors nomination | Annual review | High-achieving Honors students with leadership and community engagement |
| Honors Enrichment Travel Award (HETA) | Covers domestic conference expenses | Honors students with high financial need | Yes — Honors office application | One-time | Honors students selected to present or attend academic conferences |
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students are invited to join Honors at admission; there is no separate first-year application.
Does Honors add time to graduation?
No. Honors integrates with Northeastern’s 4- or 5-year co-op plans.
Are there scholarships tied directly to Honors?
Yes. In addition to flagship awards, the Honors Program funds its own scholarships and grants (listed above) to support research, travel, and global learning.
When will I know if I’m admitted?
Invitations come with your admission decision. Some Honors scholarships require applications once enrolled.
*Test scores listed are estimates based on admitted Honors student profiles; Northeastern does not publish official cutoffs.
📎 Official Links
✅ Final Thoughts
Paying for Northeastern can feel intimidating, but breaking it down shows that there are real paths for families. Automatic merit can ease the sticker price, flagship scholarships like the Dean’s and Torch change the game entirely, and hidden gems such as ROTC or Honors funding can fill important gaps. For first-generation parents, the key is knowing what’s automatic, what’s selective, and what requires an extra step. With a clear plan, Northeastern’s cost becomes far more manageable—and your student can focus on thriving in a university known for co-ops, research, and global opportunities.
✅ Last updated: September 19, 2025