Financing the Northeastern Experience

A guide for incoming students and families.Expert advice. Personalized support.

A top-tier education is a big investment—and also one of the most important and rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. At Northeastern, the value of that investment is unparalleled. With our unique, integrated learning model that combines rigorous academics and real-world experience, our students graduate with a distinct advantage.

Northeastern has unprecedented momentum, demonstrated by new academic and interdisciplinary programs that reflect our rapidly changing world and a dramatic rise in research funding that supports significant use-inspired research. As part of our renowned cooperative education program, we’re partnering with nearly 3,000 of the world’s most influential companies and organizations.

We’re excited that you’re interested in all the benefits of a Northeastern education. We understand, however, that your financial situation is unique. In addition to finding an institution that provides a challenging academic program and an exciting campus experience, financial fit is an important factor in making the right enrollment decision for you. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with clear information on costs and our financial aid program so you and your family can make the best possible decision.

At Northeastern, we work to keep our costs affordable while maintaining the highest possible educational value. We have an expert team of advisors who are dedicated to forging financial partnerships with students and their families. We look forward to meeting you and helping make your dream of a Northeastern education a reality.

Sincerely,

Anthony R. ErwinDean of Student Financial Services

A Good Financial Fit

1. The Northeastern Promise2. Keeping Northeastern Affordable3. Rewarding Academic Achievement4. Expert Advice and Personalized Support & The Northeastern Value6. Paying for Northeastern: Case Studies7. Paying for Northeastern: Case Studies, continued

8. Types of Aid and How to Apply for AidTab

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At Northeastern, we believe in your future. We also believe that financing your education is a partnership that contin-ues throughout your enrollment, not just for your first year. Our commitment is reflected in our unique Northeastern Promise. The Promise enables you to plan for the entire cost of your degree. Under the Promise, we guarantee that:

Northeastern University scholarship and grant funds will not be reduced during your under-graduate program (for up to eight in-class semesters)*.

Northeastern University need-based grant funds will be increased annually at the same percentage rate as the increase in tuition.

If your family experiences a substantial nega-tive change in financial circumstances, we will reevaluate your aid package and make available all financial resources for which you qualify.

* Students must file the FAFSA each year and meet satisfactory academic progress standards to be eligible for Northeastern University grant funds. Students must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required to be eligible for any scholarship funds.

The Northeastern Promise

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of students receive some form of financial assistance.78%

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Rising costs are at the center of the national debate on the value of higher education. A Northeastern education is an outstanding value not just because of our unique, integrated learning model, but because we stand behind our responsibility to keep costs as low as possible. For the current academic year, our 3.7% tuition increase was the lowest in thirty years. We also understand the importance of making sure Northeastern remains accessible and affordable for all students. That’s why we’ve been increasing our financial aid budget at double the rate of tuition over the last five years. The result is an overall decrease in actual cost to students over that timeframe after grant and scholarship aid is considered.

In addition to the many forms of need- and merit-based aid available to Northeastern students, no tuition is charged while students are on co-op (students living in university housing during co-op pay room and board). And for those students doing international co-ops, the Presidential Global Scholars Program provides more than 300 students per year with up to $6,000 in financial assistance to help defray expenses related to travel and housing.

For more information on costs, payment plans, and more, visit northeastern.edu/financialaid

Keeping Northeastern Affordable

in institutional financial aid.

$204 millionFor the 2013-14 academic

year, we’re awarding

“Although the cost of college can be intimidating for a lot of families, I have been fortunate. Through Torch, I am granted a full scholarship. In fact, Torch even pays for study abroad programs and Dialogues of Civiliza-tion. I will be able to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way without having to worry about the financial expenses.”

Eva Ndreko

“The financial support that I received for my undergraduate education enabled me to enroll in a BS/MS program at Northeastern, helping me achieve my goal of pursuing a graduate degree.”

Chris LaColla

Eva is a freshman undeclared student.

Chris is a senior Industrial Engineering major.

Hard work pays off—really. At Northeastern, we recognize the achievements of our most qualified students with a variety of grants and scholarships. These students distinguish themselves as some of the nation’s top creative thinkers, intrepid entrepreneurs, and motivated researchers.

Rewarding Academic Achievement

Merit ScholarshipsFund Description Amount

Per Year Eligibility More Information

Dean’s Scholarship A prestigious award that honors select students within the top 25 percent of freshmen admitted to Northeastern.

Between $5,000 and $20,000

All fall freshman applicants for undergraduate admission to Northeastern are considered. Apply no later than the regular decision deadline of January 15.

northeastern.edu/ financialaid/grants- scholarships/ undergraduate.html

National Merit, National Achievement, and National Hispanic scholarships

Distinguished scholarship pro-grams that honor the nations top students.

$30,000 Designated National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists and National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.

northeastern.edu/ financialaid/grants- scholarships/ undergraduate.html

University Scholars Program

One of the nation’s most intel-lectually bold and selective scholarship programs, comprised of the top 1-2 percent of applicants. Provides unprec-edented access to university faculty and resources.

Full tuition All fall freshman applicants for undergraduate admission to Northeastern are considered. Apply no later than the regular decision deadline of January 15.

northeastern.edu/ universityscholars

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* For all awards listed above, recipients must make timely progress toward their degree and maintain a minimum grade point average. In awarding these scholarships, Northeastern considers the extent to which the student furthers the university’s commitment to a diverse student body. Factors such as family income, family history of higher education, race, ethnicity, and geographic location are incorporated into the selection process.

For more information and a complete list of awards, visit northeastern.edu/financialaid/grants-scholarships

Financing your education shouldn’t be complicated. Our financial aid advisors will help you navigate the forms, terminology, numbers, and deadlines associated with applying for and receiving financial aid. Together, we’ll create a financial plan that makes sense for you and your family’s unique financial circumstances.

Our goal is to provide an offer of financial assistance that meets as much of your demonstrated financial need as possible. On average, our new freshmen for the fall of 2013 have more than 90% of their demonstrated financial need met. Your offer of financial assistance will reflect many factors we take into consideration, including our financial resources, your academic achievement and promise, your expected family contribution, and your meeting priority filing deadlines.

Expert Advice and Personalized Support

For over a century, Northeastern has been the nation’s leader in experiential learning, integrating classroom studies with invaluable real-world experiences via co-op, undergraduate research, study abroad programs, community service, and more. Experiential learning helps students fully develop their intellectual skills as well as gain professional skills that give them a crucial competitive advantage as they head to top graduate schools and launch exciting careers.

Our students graduate with a distinct edge in the job market. The Princeton Review consistently ranks Northeastern among the top four universities in the nation for career services—and for good reason: 90 percent of our 2012 graduates obtained full-time employment or enrolled in a full-time graduate program within nine months after graduation. When you invest with us here at Northeastern, we invest in you.

The Northeastern Value

“Scholarships and grants truly make the difference for me in being able to attend Northeastern. Without Northeastern’s help, I would not get the research experience and skills I need to pursue a career in the field of alternative energy.”

Danielle Denson

of our 2012 graduates received a job offer from a previous co-op employer.

51%

Danielle is a senior Chemical Engineering major.

of our 2012 graduates obtained full-time employment or enrolled in full-time graduate program within nine months after graduation.

90%

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“When I graduated from Northeastern and began looking for jobs, I felt confident because I knew going out that I had plenty of interviewing experience and professional experience thanks to Northeastern’s co-op program.”

Francisco Guerrero

student-to-faculty ratio

13:1

Francisco graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s in business administration.

82% of classes with fewer than 40 students.

“Financial aid allows me to stay at Northeastern, [and will also allow me] to travel to Japan and work for different companies.”

Alexa Azarian

Alexa is a sophomore Art major.

Academic achievement isn’t measured by your financial resources—it’s determined by hard work and dedication. That’s why we’re committed to making a Northeastern education accessible to all students. In the following case studies, you’ll see examples of the financial aid awards for three students with different academic profiles and financial circumstances.

If you would like to see estimated need-based financial aid awards based on your specific academic and financial profile, we encourage you to use our Net Price Calculator, which can be found at northeastern.edu/financialaid/calculators.html.

Paying for Northeastern: Case Studies

Tuition and Costs Below are the costs for the 2013-2014 academic year. Actual costs for 2014-2015 will be set by the Northeastern Board of Trustees in Spring 2014.

$40,780 Tuition* $906 Fees** $13,610 Room and board***

Massachusetts state law requires that every student in a Massachusetts institution of higher learning participates in a Student Health Program or in a health benefit plan with comparable coverage. The cost of the NU Student Health Plan in 2013-2014 was $2,159.

In addition to these expenses, families should plan on the normal costs that students incur for transportation, books, and personal expenses.

* Standard curriculum (16 semester hours per term).** Fees include the undergraduate student fee, student center fee, student activity fee, recreation fee, and residence hall activity fee.*** Room rates vary depending on occupancy and assignment. Board charge is based upon 15 meals per week.

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Average co-op wage in 2012-2013

$16.79

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Northeastern offers a number of options to assist families in meeting costs not covered by awarded financial assistance. These resources, which include a payment plan and supplemental financing, can be used in addition to any current family income and savings.

A monthly payment plan administered through TuitionPay allows families to spread costs over nine, ten, or eleven months, typically beginning in June. The payment plan is not a loan; there are no interest charges, just a nominal annual enrollment fee. The monthly payment plan can be used alone or in combination with financial aid, grants, and loans. Please visit northeastern.edu/financialaid/loans/paymentplans.html for more information.

If you exhaust your current income, savings, and payment plan options, there are a number of parent and student alternative loan options available for those who qualify. For more information, please visit northeastern.edu/financialaid/loans/index.html.

Making Up the Difference: Paying For What Isn’t Covered By Financial Aid

Case Study 3SAT Combined Score/ GPA 2080/3.8Expected Family Contribution $45,096Cost of Attendance $57,996Demonstrated Financial Need $12,900 Northeastern University Grant $9,400Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan $3,500Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $2,000Total Aid $14,900

Case Study 2Case Study 1SAT Combined Score/ GPA 2100/4.0Expected Family Contribution $2,000Cost of Attendance $57,996Demonstrated Financial Need $55,996 Northeastern University Grant $34,600Federal Pell Grant $5,645Federal SEOG Grant $3,000Federal Work-Study $2,200Federal Perkins Loan $2,000Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan $3,500Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $2,000Total Aid $52,945

SAT Combined Score/ GPA 2200/4.4Expected Family Contribution $24,496Cost of Attendance $57,996Demonstrated Financial Need $33,500 Northeastern Dean’s Scholarship $20,000Northeastern University Grant $5,000Federal Work-Study $1,500Federal Perkins Loan $1,500Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan $3,500Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $2,000Total Aid $33,500

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Grants, Loans, and Work-Study*Fund Description

Amount Per Year

EligibilityMore

InformationNortheastern Grant Based on demonstrated

financial need and academic ability.

Between $1,000 and full tuition

You must file FAFSA and CSS PROFILE and demonstrate financial need.

northeastern.edu/financialaid/grants-scholarships/ grants-northeastern.html

Federal Grant (Pell, SEOG) State Grant(MA, ME, RI)

Awarded on need-based criteria. Students automatically considered when they file the FAFSA.

Between $100 and $5,645

Eligibility depends upon stu-dent’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from FAFSA. Check with your state agency for eligibility guidelines.

northeastern.edu/financialaid/grants-scholarships/ grants-federalstate.html

Subsidized Stafford Loan

Based on demonstrated finan-cial need. Does not accrue interest while student is in school. Payable after graduation.

$3,500 You must file FAFSA. northeastern.edu/financialaid/loans/stafford.html

Perkins Loan, Health Professions Loan, Nursing Loan

Based on demonstrated finan-cial need. Does not accrue interest while student is in school. Payable after graduation.

Between $1,000 and $2,000

You must file FAFSA by the priority filing deadline to determine eligibility.

northeastern.edu/financialaid/loans/federal.html

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

Available to all FAFSA filers regardless of need; ac-crues interest while the student is in school.

$2,000 You must file FAFSA. northeastern.edu/financialaid/loans/stafford.html

Federal Work-Study Need-based program that provides funding for on-campus and eligible off-campus employment.

Between $1,000 and $2,200

You must file FAFSA by the priority filing deadline to determine eligibility.

northeastern.edu/financialaid/studentemployment/ index.html

* Eligibility for federal and state programs may vary each year due to changes in your family’s financial circumstances, federal and state aid funding, and/ or failure to meet priority filing deadlines

New National Merit and Achievement Finalists and National Hispanic Scholars enrolled fall 2013.

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Boston Scholarship Programs:

Northeastern is deeply committed to working with the City of Boston and our campus neighbors. There are several additional scholarship programs available to Boston students including Boston Public High School, Boston Housing Authority, and Balfour Academy Scholarships.

• northeastern.edu/ financialaid/grants- scholarships/boston.html

freshman enrolled in our Honors program

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Additional Scholarship ProgramsFund Description

Amount Per Year

EligibilityMore

InformationUjima Scholars Program

The Ujima Scholars Program provides a structured, supportive, and creative learning environment that engages students in scholarly work and enhances their motivation and determi-nation to achieve academic, career, and personal success.

$3,000. Additionally, Ujima Scholars are eligible for a limited number of need-based grants that can cover up to full tuition.

Ujima Scholars are selected by the admissions committee and the John D. O’Bryant African- American Institute staff.

northeastern.edu/aai/ services/ujima.html

Torch Scholarship Designed to support students who have overcome exceptional odds and demonstrated the potential for academic excellence.

Full tuition, room and board.

Students must be nominated by a professional who has knowl-edge of their achievements and character, such as a guidance counselor, teacher, mentor, clergy, community worker, etc.

northeastern.edu/torch

Applying for Financial Aid In addition to submitting your complete application for admission, you must complete two required forms to be considered for financial assistance.

The FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) • www.fafsa.govThe FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal aid programs. File the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. You may file the FAFSA after January 1. Our priority filing date is February 15. It is important that the federal processor receive your FAFSA by that date for you to be considered for all funds for which you are eligible. Northeastern’s FAFSA code is 002199.

The College Board/CSS Financial Aid PROFILE • http://student.collegeboard.org/css- financial-aid-profile The CSS Financial Aid PROFILE form is required in addition to the FAFSA. Northeastern uses this informa-tion to determine your eligibility for our institutional funds. You may file the PROFILE online any time after October 1 at http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile. Students whose parents are not married to each other are also required to complete a Non-Custodial Parent PROFILE form. The PROFILE must be received by the College Board by February 15. If you are applying for Early Action and would like a tentative financial aid award, you must submit the PROFILE by December 1. Northeastern’s CSS PROFILE code is 3667.

Apply for admission (November 1 is the Early Action deadline; January 15 is the Regular Admission deadline).

Complete the FAFSA (January 1 – February 15). Northeastern code: 002199

Complete the College Board/CSS Financial Aid PROFILE (October 1 – February 15). Northeastern code: 3667

File the FAFSA and PROFILE by February 15, the priority filing deadline. If you are applying for Early Action and would like a tentative financial aid award, you must file the PROFILE by December 1.

Admitted students notified of Northeastern aid award. Early Action by December 31; Regular Decision by April 1.

Pay enrollment deposit by May 1 to secure aid offer.

Complete the verification process (if requested) and submit by May 1.

Sign up for a payment plan and/or apply for supplemental loans during the summer.

Secure financing and/or pay fall bill by due date in early August.

Begin your Northeastern experience!

Financial Aid Checklist for 2014 – 2015 applicants

Student Financial Services 354 Richards Hall Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115-5000617.373.3190 617.373.8735 (fax) 617.373.5714 (TTY)northeastern.edu/financialaid sfs@neu.edu

The information contained in this brochure is current as of its printing (fall 2013). The contents are subject to change without notification if there is a change in federal and/or state regulation, and/or university policy.

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/Title IX educational institution and employer. Tuition rates, all fees, rules and regulations, and courses and course content are subject to revision by the president and the Board of Trustees at any time.

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