Awarding Process
How Is My Award Determined?
Your financial aid award is based on a number of factors, including your family’s demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, your academic profile, and the availability of funding. Information reported on your financial aid application materials, including income, assets, household size and home equity, are used to evaluate a family’s financial strength.
In sum, your financial aid eligibility is derived from this equation:
Cost of Attendance (COA) – Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Calculated Financial Need
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated cost of attending Northeastern University and includes both billed (direct) and non-billed (indirect) costs. As such, it is important to keep in mind that your Cost of Attendance may vary from your billing statement.
Below is the estimated 2017-2018 Cost of Attendance for an undergraduate student:
| Resident | Off-Campus | Commuter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $48,560 | $48,560 | $48,560 |
| Fees** | $937 | $937 | $873 |
| Room and Board*** | $15,660 | $15,660 | |
| Books & Personal Expenses | $2,800 | $2,800 | $2,800 |
| Total | $67,957 | $67,957 | $52,233 |
* Standard curriculum (16 semester hours per term).
** Fees include the Undergraduate Student Fee, Student Center Fee, Student Activity Fee, Recreation Fee, and Resident Activity Fee (excluding commuters).
***Room rates vary depending on occupancy and assignment. Board is based upon 15 meals per week.
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is derived from the information reported on the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile and is used to determine a student’s eligibility for financial assistance. It is important to keep in mind that a student’s or family’s actual out of pocket expenses may differ from their Expected Family Contribution.
Case Studies
In the following case studies, you’ll see examples of the financial aid awards for three students with different financial circumstances.
