Northeastern University Merit Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Northeastern University recognizes the hard work and determination of its most qualified students by offering a variety of merit-based scholarships and grants. These scholarships aim to reward outstanding academic achievement and potential. All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships; no separate application is typically required. Admitted students will be notified of any merit aid awards at the time of admission.

General Eligibility and Application

To be considered for one or more of Northeastern's merit-based scholarships, you must apply for undergraduate admission to Northeastern no later than the Regular Decision deadline of January 1. All students are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Please note that scholarship consideration is separate from the financial aid application process. International students are eligible for merit scholarship consideration, but Northeastern does not offer need-based assistance to international students.

Types of Merit Scholarships at Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers a range of merit-based scholarships, each with its own specific criteria and benefits. These scholarships are typically awarded for up to eight academic semesters during your undergraduate program, provided you maintain eligibility requirements as outlined in your merit scholarship contract that was provided at the time of admissions. Institutional merit-based scholarships are applied during in-class semesters, and when students are earning academic credit. The amount of the merit scholarship you receive is based on your enrollment and corresponding tuition charge. Full-time enrollment during a fall or spring term is considered 12 to 16 credits and eight credits during a Summer I or Summer II session.

Here's an overview of some of the prominent merit scholarship programs:

National Merit Scholarship Program

Students who are admitted to Northeastern and are recognized as National Merit Finalists will receive a competitive merit-based award and may also be eligible for financial aid. In order to be eligible for the Northeastern National Merit Finalist Scholarship, National Merit Finalists must be admitted to Northeastern and should designate Northeastern University-Boston as their college choice (regardless of their enrollment opportunity) to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). To receive an updated scholarship prior to May 1, 2026, students must designate Northeastern as their college choice by the priority deadline of April 9, 2026. Northeastern National Scholarships replace any Honors, Dean’s, Connections, Sophomore Achievement, International Scholars, or other merit awards and may result in a change to previously awarded Northeastern University Grant funds.

Read also: UCF Application Strategies

National Recognition Program Scholarship

Students who are admitted to Northeastern and are designated as National Recognition Program Scholars are eligible for a National Recognition Program Scholarship and may also be eligible for financial aid. The National Recognition Program awards academic honors that recognize the achievements of 10th and 11th graders based on exceptional performance on PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or AP Exams. Students designated as National First-Generation Recognition, National Rural and Small Town Recognition, and National School Recognition Scholars are eligible for a National Recognition Program Scholarship. To receive an updated scholarship prior to May 1, 2026, Scholars must submit their documentation by the priority deadline of April 9, 2026.

Torch Scholars Program

Continuing its storied commitment to educational access, the Torch Scholars Program awards full-tuition scholarships to students who have overcome exceptional odds and demonstrated the potential for academic excellence. The program includes a Summer Immersion Program prior to their first year. Torch Scholars receive funding covering full tuition, fees, housing, and meals, as well as significant personal and academic support. Students must be nominated by a professional who has knowledge of their achievements and character, such as a school counselor, teacher, mentor, clergy, community worker, etc.

Stamps Scholars Program

Each year, Northeastern names a small cohort of its most accomplished enrolling students as Stamps Scholars. Selection for this prestigious program is competitive, and invited students must complete a specific application process. Stamps Scholars at Northeastern receive a scholarship to cover the full cost of attendance, access to research, travel, or project stipend, and mentorship and support from the University Fellowship office. Select admitted students will be invited to submit a video application for review and consideration by faculty and staff in the department of University Fellowships. The nominees and alternates will be notified of their selection in mid-March to allow time to make an informed enrollment choice by the national May 1 deposit deadline.

Ujima Global Leaders Program

The Ujima Global Leaders Program identifies students who have the potential to become agents for positive global change. The program is focused on developing leaders for an increasingly diverse and complex world. Scholarship recipients are selected by the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute and Admissions. Ujima Global Leaders from all academic disciplines will work collaboratively to develop intercultural competence and awareness by engaging with communities on campus, throughout Boston, and the world. Working with staff and faculty, Ujima Global Leaders may choose to make an impact based on their interests and goals via community service involvement, experiential opportunities, and research and global experiences. The Ujima Global Leaders Program seeks to enroll academically talented first-year students with demonstrated leadership skills, community involvement, and/or an interest in issues related to serving underrepresented and underserved populations. Committed to excellence, academic achievement, service, and diversity, Ujima Global Leaders will be prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Boston Scholarships

Northeastern is deeply committed to working with the city of Boston and its campus neighbors. Boston Scholarships may cover up to full tuition, housing, and food for up to eight academic semesters, depending on the scholarship. Please note that these scholarship programs do not cover mandatory fees.

Northeastern Oakland Opportunity Scholarship

Northeastern is proud of its long-standing commitment to supporting students in the local communities around its campuses. The Northeastern Oakland Opportunity Scholarship will be awarded each year to up to 10 seniors graduating from an Oakland Unified School District High School and Pell Eligible City of Oakland residents. To be eligible to receive the scholarship, students must apply to be a first-year student at Northeastern University by the application deadline and be admitted to our Oakland campus. Each high school may nominate up to four candidates for the award.

John Martinson Honors Program

Each year, the admissions office selects a group of students to join the John Martinson Honors Program at Northeastern University. Those invited into the program are among our most highly accomplished admitted students. There is no separate application process for the program, and students are considered at all decision deadlines. Decisions are rendered based on the undergraduate admissions application submitted to the university. The invitation to join the program is included in the official admission letter.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

If you do not maintain the required cumulative grade-point average for your scholarship, you will be eligible for one semester of probation for the first in-class semester of the following academic year to regain eligibility. During this semester, you will receive the scholarship. If you fail to meet the minimum GPA requirement after the probationary semester, the scholarship will be canceled. You may regain the scholarship by bringing your GPA up to the required minimum.

Reporting Outside Scholarships

You must report all private sources of student financial aid to the Northeastern University Office of Student Financial Services in writing. If you have a scholarship payment, please forward it to the address provided by the university.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities (Northeastern Illinois University - Example)

While the focus of this article is on Northeastern University in Boston, it's worth noting that other "Northeastern" universities also offer scholarships. As an example, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) offers various scholarships, including the NEIU For You scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and NEIU Star Scholar Award. These scholarships have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

Resources

For more information about Northeastern University's merit scholarships, please visit the “resources” section of the Student Hub.

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