Northeastern University Pell Grant Recipients: Who Benefits?

Northeastern University is a private, non-profit university located in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its cooperative education (co-op) program. The university has committed to meeting 100% of applicants' financial needs and, as of 2023, 63% of undergraduate students receive financial aid. Northeastern University offers Pell Grants to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree. 16% of students at Northeastern University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid.

Northeastern University's commitment to meeting full financial need

Northeastern University is committed to meeting 100% of applicants' financial needs. The university has been fulfilling the full demonstrated financial needs of every student who attends since 2015-16. This commitment is critical in attracting students from all walks of life, creating a diverse classroom setting where students bring diverse ideas and push the status quo.

The university determines financial need using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the CSS Profile. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated using a formula established by Congress when the FAFSA is processed. Demonstrated financial need represents the difference between the cost of attendance and a student's expected family contribution or ability to pay. For undergraduate day students who qualify for a federal Pell Grant, Northeastern ensures their full demonstrated need is met through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

Northeastern's commitment to meeting full financial need is reflected in its investment of $450 million in financial aid for 2023-24, with a record $437 million allocated for undergraduate students. This steady increase in financial aid has led to a 36% decrease in the average debt carried by undergraduate students upon graduation over the past decade. The university's dedication to accessibility is further demonstrated by its participation in the Stamps Scholarship Program, offering recurring scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $90,000 per year to select admitted students.

Additionally, Northeastern provides the Northeastern University Grant to financial aid applicants with demonstrated financial need. The amount awarded per term is guaranteed over the course of the student's undergraduate academic career, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress. The university also offers the Northeastern Promise, a compact that guarantees eight semesters of funding for students receiving need-based financial aid, with grant funds increasing at the same rate as tuition.

Federal Pell Grants criteria

Northeastern University is committed to helping students make their higher education goals a reality. In the 2023-24 academic year, the university invested $450 million in financial aid, with $437 million going to undergraduate students. Northeastern has been meeting the full demonstrated financial need for every freshman and transfer student since 2015-16.

Federal Pell Grants are a source of financial aid that can help students pay for college. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants do not need to be paid back. Pell Grants are usually reserved for undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree. As a program targeted at high-need students, eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant depends on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is calculated using a formula established by Congress when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed.

To be eligible for a Pell Grant, students must meet the general federal student aid eligibility requirements. This includes demonstrating financial need, being a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and being enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program. Students with family incomes up to $65,000 may be eligible for Pell Grants, but most awards go to students with family incomes below $30,000.

The amount of the Pell Grant award depends on several factors, including the price of attendance, the family's financial situation, and the student's enrollment status (full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time, or less than 1/2 time). The maximum amount a student may receive varies from year to year. For the 2022–2023 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award was $6,895, while for the 2021–2022 academic year, it was $6,495.

The application process for a Pell Grant is the same as for any federal financial aid. Students must complete the FAFSA, which can be done online or by downloading and filling out a paper copy. The U.S. Department of Education determines Pell Grant eligibility based on the information provided in the FAFSA.

Northeastern University Access Grant

Northeastern University is committed to helping students achieve their higher education goals by providing financial awards and scholarships. The Northeastern University Access Grant is one such need-based grant.

Who is eligible for the Northeastern University Access Grant?

Beginning with the Fall 2021 entering class, undergraduate day students who qualify for a federal Pell Grant will have their full demonstrated need met through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study from federal, state, and institutional resources. In place of Federal Direct Loans, qualifying students will be awarded a Northeastern University Access Grant.

Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by your enrollment status (full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time, less than 1/2 time). The maximum a student may receive for the 2022–2023 academic year is $6,895. The Northeastern University Access Grant is available to students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.

Who is eligible for the Federal Pell Grant?

Federal Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. As a program targeted at high-need students, eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant depends on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is calculated using a formula established by Congress when your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed.

To apply for the Northeastern University Access Grant, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms. Information reported on these financial aid application materials is used to determine a student's eligibility for available forms of financial assistance.

Northeastern University Grant

Northeastern University is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of its students. The university provides a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work earnings. Northeastern invested $450 million in financial aid for the 2023-24 academic year, with $437 million allocated specifically for undergraduate students.

The Northeastern University Grant is a form of financial aid awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. The grant amount awarded per term is guaranteed over the course of the student's undergraduate academic career (up to eight in-class semesters), provided that the student makes timely progress toward a degree and maintains a 2.0-grade point average. The Northeastern University Grant is funded in part by donations from alumni, corporations, and other sources.

Federal Pell Grants are another form of financial aid available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated using a formula established by Congress when processing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the 2022-23 academic year, the maximum amount a student could receive under the Federal Pell Grant was $6,895.

At Northeastern University, 16% of students receive Pell Grants. Beginning in Fall 2021, undergraduate day students who qualify for Federal Pell Grants may have their full demonstrated financial need met through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study programs from federal, state, and institutional sources. This means that financial aid awards for eligible Pell Grant recipients will not include Federal Direct Loans. Instead, qualifying students will be awarded the Northeastern University Access Grant.

Other scholarships and grants

Northeastern University offers a wide range of scholarships and grants to its students. The university is committed to helping students make their higher education goals a reality and meeting the full demonstrated financial need for every student. In the 2023-24 academic year, Northeastern invested $450 million in financial aid, with $437 million going to undergraduate students. This has resulted in a 36% drop in the average debt carried by undergraduate students over the past decade.

Northeastern Promise

The Northeastern Promise is a compact that guarantees eight semesters of funding for students who receive need-based financial aid from the university. Under this promise, need-based grant funds automatically increase at the same rate as tuition and are guaranteed not to decrease.

Northeastern University Grant

The Northeastern University Grant is awarded to financial aid applicants with demonstrated financial need. The amount awarded per term is guaranteed over the course of the student's undergraduate academic career (up to eight in-class semesters), provided that the student makes timely progress toward a degree and maintains a 2.0-grade point average.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant depends on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated using a formula established by Congress when the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed. For the 2022-23 academic year, the maximum amount a student could receive was $6,895.

Northeastern National Scholarships

Northeastern National Scholarships are awarded to students who are admitted to Northeastern and are recognized as National Merit Finalists or National Recognition Program Scholars. These scholarships are competitive merit-based awards, and students may also be eligible for financial aid.

Dean's Scholarship

Recipients of the Dean's Scholarship are awarded up to $28,000 annually. All fall first-year applicants who apply for undergraduate admission to Northeastern University by the Regular Decision deadline of January 1 are considered.

Achievement Award

The Achievement Award is given to all fall first-year students admitted to Northeastern University London in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and the expectation of superior performance.

Torch Scholars Program

The Torch Scholars Program is a scholarship initiative awarded to students who have overcome exceptional odds and demonstrate the potential to excel academically. Torch Scholars receive full tuition, fees, housing, food, as well as significant personal and academic support.

Boston Scholarships

There are several scholarship programs available to Boston students, including the Boston Public High School Scholarship, the Northeastern Boston Valedictorian Scholarship, the Boston Housing Authority Scholarship, the Northeastern Neighborhood Scholarship, and the Balfour Academy Scholarship. These scholarships typically cover full tuition, housing, and food for up to eight academic semesters.

Stamps Scholars Program

The Stamps Scholars Program is a prestigious merit scholarship program that covers the full cost of attendance, provides access to research, travel, or project stipends, and offers mentorship and support from the University Fellowship office.

RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships

Northeastern has partnered with RaiseMe to offer US high school students the chance to earn micro-scholarships that recognize their academic achievements and outstanding accomplishments. Students can earn up to $20,000 in micro-scholarships each year, which will be incorporated into their Northeastern University financial aid award.

Frequently asked questions