The starting point
Selective private with two distinct merit stories: an Honors-led main path (John Martinson Honors Program admits get an Honors scholarship; top 25% of all admits get the Dean's Scholarship at $10K-$25K/yr) and two flagship cohort programs (Torch Scholars for first-gen low-income, Stamps Scholars for the most competitive applicants). The co-op model means students earn salary during 5 of 8 semesters, materially changing the long-run net cost.
More than one award path. Some awards use published academic thresholds. Others have different selection criteria. A score chart does not describe every award at this school.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 6 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Dean's Scholarship
$10,000 to $25,000 per year · Published range
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
Eligibility: Awarded to select students within the top 25% of freshmen admitted. Top 10-15% of the applicant pool is considered for merit awards generally; the Dean's is the most common substantial merit outcome. No separate application; admission application serves as the scholarship application. Apply by January 1 Regular Decision deadline (or earlier ED/EA deadline) to be considered.
Renewal: Typically renewable for up to eight academic semesters of standard undergraduate enrollment. Specific renewal criteria are detailed in the offer letter and require continued full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.
Other terms: The $10K-$25K range reflects that the Dean's is awarded across multiple bands within the top 25%; strongest applicants in that pool receive the upper-band award. Stacks with Honors invitation when both are offered.
http://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/
National Merit & National Recognition Program Scholarships
Competitive merit-based award (specific amount varies; replaces preexisting merit awards in many cases) · Variable or qualified amount
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
Eligibility: Designated National Merit Finalists or National Recognition Program Scholars. National Merit semi-finalists or National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars must complete a specific application process for the Northeastern National Scholar Award.
Renewal: Standard merit renewal terms. Note that students designated as both National Recognition Scholars AND National Merit Finalists are eligible for only one National Scholarship.
Other terms: Important: 'Northeastern National Scholarships may replace preexisting merit awards and may result in a reduction to previously awarded Northeastern University Grant funds.' Read this carefully: accepting a National Scholar award can cause net aid reduction if it triggers institutional grant adjustments.
https://admissions.northeastern.edu/cost-financial-aid/merit-scholarships/
Stamps Scholars Program
Full cost of attendance + access to a research, travel, or project stipend + mentorship and support from the John Martinson Honors Program team · Published award terms
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Highly competitive; invited candidates must complete a separate application process. Selected from the most accomplished enrolling students. Application/selection runs in early spring after admission.
Renewal: Renewable for up to eight academic semesters of full-time enrollment, with continued participation in the program and good academic standing.
Other terms: Cohort is small, typically a handful per year. Part of the broader Stamps Scholars national network with cross-school programming and stipend access.
https://admissions.northeastern.edu/cost-financial-aid/merit-scholarships/
Ask before you decide
- Which entering-year policy and residency category apply to us? What are the admission and scholarship deadlines?
- What grades and credits are required to renew, and for how many terms?
- How would other school awards or outside scholarships change the offer?
Recorded stacking policy: Northeastern caps total aid at the cost of attendance and has a specific outside-scholarship displacement order: outside awards apply FIRST to unmet financial need, THEN to replace loans and/or work-study, AND if still excess, reduce institutional grants and/or scholarships. Internal merit awards stack with each other (e.g. Honors + Dean's, or Honors + National Merit) within the COA cap, but accepting a National Scholar award can specifically reduce previously awarded NU Grant funds.
Our unanswered questions / Family notes
