Northeastern University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~5%
- Middle 50% ACT: 34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1485
- Average GPA: 3.9
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a very high reach. With an admit rate around 5%, even strong students should treat Northeastern as a lottery-style school and build a balanced list.
- In the typical ranges: Still a reach. You’ll need strong academics plus compelling activities, essays, and demonstrated interest to stand out.
- Well above the ranges: You’re competitive, but not safe. Merit is limited and selective—this is more about admission first, money second.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Northeastern University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Stamps Scholars Program & Torch Scholars Program)
Average Net Price
$34,770/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$5,000–$15,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
19 opportunities
2 automatic · 3 competitive · 8 hidden gem · 6 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Stamps Scholars Program & Torch Scholars Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Northeastern University (Read This First)
- No automatic merit: All scholarships are competitive and tied to admission—there’s no predictable grid or guaranteed award.
- Extremely low acceptance rate: Around 5%, which means even top students regularly get denied.
- High cost + CSS Profile required: As a private school, Northeastern requires both FAFSA and CSS Profile—and the starting price is high before aid.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Northeastern University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 34; SAT: 1485.
Average net price? About $34,770/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Northeastern University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$67,990 |
$67,990 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$22,048 |
$22,048 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$90,038 |
$90,038 |
Average Federal Net Price: $34,770 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Discounts? Northeastern is a private university, so programs like the New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break (NEBHE), WUE, MSEP, and ACM do not apply. All students—whether in-state or out-of-state—pay the same tuition.
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.
Sources:
https://admissions.northeastern.edu/cost-financial-aid/
https://studentfinance.northeastern.edu/applying-for-aid/undergraduate/admitted-students/
https://studentfinance.northeastern.edu/applying-for-aid/international-students/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/northeastern-university/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167358-Northeastern-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1 (National Merit first-choice designation; follow Northeastern admission deadlines)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Merit award that can typically be combined with need-based aid; may be coordinated with other Northeastern merit so total institutional aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Northeastern does not publish a fixed dollar amount; award ranges of about $5,000–$10,000 per year are based on reported typical offers and may change year to year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted National Merit Finalists who complete Northeastern admission requirements and file first-choice designation by the National Merit deadline.
Automatic
National Recognition Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$15,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award is generally stackable with other institutional merit and need-based aid, subject to Northeastern’s overall aid and cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts are not formally published; an estimated range of $5,000–$15,000 per year reflects typical offers and is subject to change.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students who hold an official College Board National Recognition designation and submit proof to Northeastern by the priority deadline.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Northeastern participates in the National Merit Scholarship program.
*Award ranges shown are based on published and student-reported data as Northeastern does not publish official dollar amounts. Actual offers may differ year-to-year; always confirm directly with NU Student Financial Services.
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, considering your highest section scores across test dates 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?
NU scholarships require “good academic standing” and full-time enrollment for renewal; the university does not publish a set GPA cutoff.
Sources:
NU Merit Scholarships – https://admissions.northeastern.edu/tuition-aid/undergraduate-scholarships/
NU Student Financial Services – https://studentfinance.northeastern.edu/undergraduates/financial-aid/
NU Academic Catalog – https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/expenses/financial-aid/
🏆 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.
Automatic
Dean’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 1 (first-year admission deadline for consideration) · 📢 Results: Included with admission decision or financial aid package
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000–$28,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Selective subset of top admitted students; exact numbers not published. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with some need-based aid and smaller awards, but Northeastern will adjust packages so institutional funding does not exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award range is based on recent admitted student reports and may change by year; NU does not publish fixed Dean’s Scholarship dollar amounts.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Academically exceptional admitted students, resident or nonresident, often with strong leadership or service records.
Full RideApp Requiredneed_basedexternal
Stamps Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: January 1 (admission); invited students later follow a separate Stamps application deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance scholarship
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Tiny cohort of scholars per entering class; exact number determined by Northeastern and the Stamps Foundation. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces other Northeastern merit scholarships and typically covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, and enrichment funding, coordinated with any need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Northeastern by January 1; high-achieving admits may be invited to submit a Stamps application and participate in interviews as part of the selection process.
Selection criteria: Multi-stage review including application, essays, and interviews focused on academic distinction, leadership, character, and potential for impact.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides full cost-of-attendance funding through a partnership between Northeastern and the Stamps Scholars Program; exact benefits and cohort size may vary by year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A very small group of the most outstanding admitted students with exceptional academics, leadership, and impact, selected through an invitation-only process.
Full RideApp Required
Torch Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: January 1 (Torch nomination and application deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance scholarship with support
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Small cohort of Torch Scholars selected each year; exact number varies. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Full cost-of-attendance award that replaces other Northeastern institutional scholarships; coordinated with need-based aid so that total funding covers tuition, fees, room, board, and program components.
📄
How to Apply
Be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or community organization and complete the Torch Scholars application by January 1, then complete Northeastern’s admission application and participate in the program’s holistic review and interviews.
Selection criteria: Holistic evaluation of resilience, leadership, academic potential, and fit with the Torch mission, including interviews and program activities.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes a summer immersion, intensive mentoring, and comprehensive support in addition to tuition, fees, and living costs; selection is extremely competitive.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation, high-potential students who have faced significant obstacles and show resilience, leadership, and strong academic promise.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Dollar ranges shown reflect recent admitted student reports or published program data; official amounts and deadlines may vary each year.
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
How many students win these scholarships?
Northeastern does not publish numbers, but Dean’s is awarded to a larger subset of top admits, while Stamps and Torch are very small. Ujima admits a modest leadership and diversity cohort.
Do these replace other scholarships?
Yes — full-cost awards like Stamps and Torch replace other university scholarships. Dean’s and Ujima may stack or be adjusted for your full aid package.
Can I apply directly?
Dean’s and Ujima are automatic from the admitted pool. Torch requires a nomination and application (Jan 1 deadline); 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.
Sources:
NU Merit Scholarships – https://admissions.northeastern.edu/tuition-aid/undergraduate-scholarships/
NU Academic Catalog – https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/expenses/financial-aid/
Stamps Scholars – https://www.stampsscholars.org/our-schools/northeastern-university/
Torch Scholars – https://torch.northeastern.edu/
Ujima Global Leaders – https://jdoaai.sites.northeastern.edu/ujima-global-leaders-program/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond flagship awards, Northeastern offers several special programs and niche opportunities that can cover significant costs. These include ROTC, identity-based cohorts, and unique research or fellowship funding. They aren’t always obvious at first glance, but they can be game-changers for the right student.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Joseph Spear Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies by College of Engineering schedule
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited; tied to College of Engineering leadership recognition. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically functions as an additional departmental scholarship and may stack with other support, subject to college and university policies.
💡
Strategic Detail
Mentioned as an engineering leadership scholarship managed through College of Engineering channels; public information on award size is limited.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engineering students who demonstrate significant leadership within the College of Engineering or related activities.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Karen T. Rigg Shining Torch Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Set annually
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Small number of recipients tied to leadership roles. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally supplement existing aid and can stack with other scholarships, subject to institutional rules.
💡
Strategic Detail
Described as supporting organization leaders; details about award amounts and cycles are typically communicated within student leadership networks.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Student organization leaders recognized for outstanding leadership and contribution to campus life.
App Required
NU-FIRST (Engineering)
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited number of awards determined annually by the College of Engineering. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Partial tuition award that can be combined with other merit and need-based aid, subject to Northeastern’s overall aid and cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the College of Engineering as a first-generation college student and submit the NU-FIRST scholarship application, including a brief essay, by April 1.
Selection criteria: Selection based on first-generation status, academic promise, and strength of the NU-FIRST essay and application.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount and number of recipients vary by year; designed to support first-generation engineering students for up to eight semesters.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-generation engineering majors with academic promise and a compelling NU-FIRST application.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
PEAK Experiences Fellowships
📅 Deadline: Fall: Aug 15; Spring: Dec 15; Summer: Mar 15
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited number of awards per cycle based on available funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cash stipends paid to students; typically stack with other scholarships and financial aid without reducing tuition-based awards, though they may have minor impacts on need-based aid calculations.
📄
How to Apply
Work with a faculty member to develop a research or creative project and submit a PEAK Experiences Fellowship application through Northeastern’s Undergraduate Research and Fellowships portal by the cycle deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes project clarity, feasibility, student preparation, and strength of faculty support.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple fellowship tiers exist within PEAK; the listed range reflects common award levels for experiential and project-based funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with feasible, well-supported research or creative proposals and active faculty mentorship.
Automatic
Thomas I. Atkins Social Justice Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited number of awards each year; numbers not published. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Partial tuition award that may stack with other institutional scholarships and grants up to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Specific award amounts and selection details are not widely published; treated here as a social-justice-focused partial tuition scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students with significant records of social justice advocacy, service, and leadership.
Automatic
Ujima Global Leaders Program
📅 Deadline: January 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Moderate-sized leadership cohort each year; exact numbers vary. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship amount varies and can interact with other Northeastern merit and need-based aid; total institutional funding is coordinated not to exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Listed here as a hidden-gem program because it combines leadership development with a tuition scholarship that may reach up to about $15,000 per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted undergraduates with strong records of leadership, service, and engagement in diverse or global communities who are selected for the Ujima Global Leaders cohort.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Air Force ROTC (via MIT Det 365)
📅 Deadline: High school: around Jan 12; in-college: rolling, based on staff nomination cycles
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
Air Force ROTC tuition scholarship with stipend and book allowance
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Set by the U.S. Air Force and Detachment 365 each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
AFROTC scholarships typically cover full or partial tuition plus a book allowance and monthly stipend; cannot stack with other full-tuition institutional awards but may coordinate with need-based aid for non-tuition costs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for an AFROTC scholarship at afrotc.com as a high school student or compete for in-college scholarships via nomination from Detachment 365 staff; participate in the crosstown program while enrolled at Northeastern.
Selection criteria: Evaluation based on academic record, leadership potential, physical fitness, and AFROTC selection board criteria.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award levels (full or partial tuition, stipend range) are determined by the U.S. Air Force; Northeastern participates via a crosstown agreement with MIT Detachment 365.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students in the MIT Detachment 365 crosstown AFROTC program with strong academics, physical fitness, and commitment to Air Force officer service.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Yellow Ribbon Program
📅 Deadline: Rolling; students are encouraged to submit VA documentation as early as possible
✓ Renews
👥 ~Northeastern reports broad Yellow Ribbon availability; any limits are managed by program and year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Yellow Ribbon supplements Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits; combined VA and institutional funding can cover remaining tuition and fees, but interaction with other institutional scholarships is coordinated through Military Services and Financial Aid.
📄
How to Apply
Obtain Post-9/11 GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility at the 100% level, submit it to Northeastern’s Military Services Office, and complete school certification for Yellow Ribbon participation.
Selection criteria: Benefit is based on VA eligibility status rather than competitive selection.
💡
Strategic Detail
Northeastern advertises unlimited Yellow Ribbon participation for eligible undergraduates in many programs, but specifics should be confirmed with Military Services.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Veterans and eligible dependents at the 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill tier who enroll at Northeastern and complete Yellow Ribbon certification.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (Liberty Battalion)
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 (priority HS board)
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
Army ROTC tuition scholarship with stipend and book allowance
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Determined annually by the U.S. Army and Liberty Battalion allocations. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and mandatory fees plus book stipend and monthly allowance; cannot stack with other full-tuition institutional awards, but may be combined with need-based aid or housing support up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for an Army ROTC national high school scholarship or campus-based scholarship through the Liberty Battalion and meet all academic, fitness, and service requirements.
Selection criteria: Selection based on academic performance, leadership, physical fitness, and performance in ROTC selection boards.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical Army ROTC benefits include full tuition, an annual book allowance, and a monthly stipend for contracted cadets; exact amounts and structures are set by the U.S. Army.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens who meet Army ROTC fitness and academic standards, show leadership potential, and commit to commissioning as Army officers.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Clara and Joseph Ford Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies annually
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited number of recipients each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Partial tuition or stipend-style award that can often be combined with other aid, subject to institutional limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Mentioned as a nomination-based award for good citizenship and leadership; public documentation of exact amounts and criteria is limited.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students recognized for strong citizenship, character, and leadership, selected through nomination.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Scholarship ranges above are based on available Northeastern sources as well as academic catalog and official program sites. Departmental and ROTC deadlines may vary annually; always confirm with the relevant office.
- Clara and Joseph Ford Scholarship — good citizenship and leadership (by nomination, deadline varies).
- Karen T. Rigg Shining Torch Scholarship — for organization leaders (by nomination).
- Joseph Spear Scholarship — for engineering leadership (College of Engineering process; deadline varies).
Northeastern is also a proud partner in the QuestBridge National College Match, which can provide a full cost-of-attendance scholarship to high-achieving, low-income students (fall deadline usually late September).
Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs
Does Northeastern participate in QuestBridge?
Yes. Through QuestBridge National College Match, eligible students may receive a full cost-of-attendance scholarship.
Can ROTC scholarships stack with university merit?
No. ROTC covers tuition directly and cannot stack with other full-tuition awards. Students may still receive housing stipends or need-based aid for non-tuition costs.
Are PEAK Fellowships cash awards?
Yes. These stipends are direct-to-student and support research or creative projects under faculty guidance, not just tuition credits.
Do departmental scholarships like NU-FIRST renew automatically?
Most require an annual review and full enrollment in the College of Engineering. Renewal is tied to academic progress and program engagement.
Sources:
NU Army ROTC – https://rotc.northeastern.edu/prospective-students/high-school-students/
NU Catalog ROTC Programs – https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/the-university/army-air-force-navy-rotc/
NU Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (PEAK) – https://undergraduate.northeastern.edu/research-and-fellowships/
NU-FIRST Engineering – https://coe.northeastern.edu/admissions/aid-scholarships/nu-first/
NU Veterans & Yellow Ribbon – https://military.northeastern.edu/education-benefits/
Ujima Global Leaders – https://jdoaai.sites.northeastern.edu/ujima-global-leaders-program/
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical Northeastern Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks of Northeastern Honors:
- 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 🏆
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Enrichment Travel Award (HETA)
📅 Deadline: Rolling
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited number of awards each year based on Honors travel budget. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time travel award that stacks with other scholarships and is used specifically for conference-related expenses.
📄
How to Apply
Honors students apply through the Honors office for travel funding when invited to present or attend domestic academic conferences, providing documentation and a brief proposal.
Selection criteria: Reviewed on financial need, academic merit, and relevance of the conference to the student’s Honors work.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers allowable conference-related expenses such as registration, travel, and lodging, subject to Honors policies and available funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with high financial need who are presenting research or significantly engaging at domestic academic conferences.
App Required
Global Support Fund (Honors)
📅 Deadline: Rolling (before global program departure)
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited by Global Support Fund budget each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time grant that typically stacks with other scholarships and financial aid to offset travel and program expenses.
📄
How to Apply
First-year Honors students submit a proposal through the Honors office describing an approved global experience such as Dialogue of Civilizations, study abroad, or global co-op before departure.
Selection criteria: Evaluation focuses on strength of the global learning plan, alignment with Honors goals, and feasibility.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Maximum typical award is around $6,000, though actual amounts vary based on destination, duration, and available funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year Honors students planning approved global experiences who articulate clear goals and needs in their funding proposals.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Scholarships (George Alden Trust, Amelia Peabody, etc.)
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited; number of recipients depends on annual Honors scholarship funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards supplement existing financial aid and can typically stack with university merit and need-based grants, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Current Honors students in good standing submit an internal Honors scholarship application, including financial information and supporting materials, by the posted deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection based on academic performance, financial need, and contribution to the Honors community.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes several donor-funded Honors scholarships such as the George Alden Trust and Amelia Peabody awards; individual award amounts and criteria vary from year to year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students who maintain strong academics and demonstrate financial need as well as engagement in the Honors community.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Joseph A. Coolidge Award
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews
👥 ~Small number of awards each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award may be renewed annually contingent on ongoing Honors standing and academic performance; typically stacks with other scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Honors students in physical sciences or mathematics apply or are nominated through their department and the Honors Program by April 1.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic excellence in major, leadership, and community involvement.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award size and exact criteria can vary; designed to recognize outstanding Honors students in math and physical sciences.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving Honors students majoring in physical sciences or mathematics who demonstrate leadership and community engagement.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Martinson Global Grants
📅 Deadline: Rolling
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited by annual Honors global funding resources. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award that stacks with other scholarships and aid to support international opportunities.
📄
How to Apply
Students admitted to Honors after their first year submit a funding proposal through the Honors office for global co-op, study abroad, or related experiences.
Selection criteria: Reviewed based on clarity of goals, academic preparation, and alignment with Honors and global engagement outcomes.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Grant amount varies with project scope and budget; focused on expanding access to global experiences for Honors students who join after the first year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Sophomores and upper-class Honors students who propose well-developed global learning or co-op plans and demonstrate strong academic standing.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
PEAK Experiences Fellowships (Honors priority)
📅 Deadline: Fall: Aug 15; Spring: Dec 15; Summer: Mar 15
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Fixed number of awards per cycle based on URF funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cash stipends that stack with other financial aid because they are paid for research or creative work rather than as tuition discounts.
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How to Apply
Submit a PEAK Experiences Fellowship application via the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) portal by the term deadline; Honors students receive priority for some tiers.
Selection criteria: Competitive review focused on project quality, student preparation, and mentorship plan; Honors affiliation is a positive factor.
✎ Essays
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Strategic Detail
Honors students are a major target group for PEAK funding and are often prioritized for higher-level awards such as Summit Fellowships, which can reach around $6,000.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates, especially Honors members, who propose strong mentored research or creative projects across PEAK’s various tiers up to Summit level.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students are invited to join Honors at first-year admission; there is no separate application for incoming freshmen.
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. Northeastern’s Honors Program funds its own scholarships and grants to support global learning, research, and enrichment — in addition to university-wide merit awards.
When will I know if I’m admitted?
Honors invitations are included with the first-year admissions decision. Some scholarships require further application after enrollment.
*Test score estimates are based on admitted Honors student profiles; Northeastern does not publish minimums.
Sources:
John Martinson Honors Program (Honors Scholarships, Global Grants, Funding) – https://honors.northeastern.edu/scholarships-awards/
Honors Global Support Fund – https://honors.northeastern.edu/global-support-fund/
Martinson Global Grants – https://honors.northeastern.edu/martinson-global-grants/
PEAK Fellowships – https://undergraduate.northeastern.edu/research-and-fellowships/
⭐ 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.
Computer Science & Engineering: Northeastern’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences is consistently ranked among the nation’s top computer science programs, known for cutting-edge research in AI and data science and its unmatched co-op network. As a Carnegie R1 research university, Northeastern leverages top-tier labs and partnerships to prepare graduates for immediate career impact.
- 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.
✅ 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.
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