Search
July 21, 2026
With the summer term underway, Student Financial Services wants to keep you informed of several changes being implemented to improve the student experience and offer clarity on recent federal aid updates. Below you’ll find details on the transition to the comprehensive fee, a new tuition insurance option, changes to our tuition adjustment policy for withdrawals, and regulatory updates impacting federal aid recipients.
Northeastern is simplifying its fee structure to create a more straightforward billing experience. Starting this fall, you’ll notice something different on your bill: a consolidated student fee designed to reduce complexity and give you a more concise picture of your educational costs. Learn more at “What is the Comprehensive Fee?”
Unexpected injuries, illnesses, or other serious life events can disrupt your education, and depending on timing, a withdrawal may leave you ineligible for a full tuition refund. Starting Fall 2026, Northeastern has partnered with GradGuard to offer voluntary Tuition Insurance. Available to students with a U.S. address, this coverage reimburses up to 100% of tuition and fees for withdrawals due to covered reasons like serious injury, chronic illness, or mental health conditions, plus access to an Assistance Hotline. Coverage must be purchased before the first day of classes. Terms and exclusions apply; learn more by visiting the SFS Tuition Insurance Partners webpage.
Also starting Fall 2026, Northeastern is rolling out a new Tuition Adjustment for Withdrawal Policy that extends eligibility for tuition adjustments for complete withdrawal later into the semester. Learn more about the new policy on our Refunds from Credit Balances and Withdrawals page.
A federal court order issued in June 2026 has temporarily paused part of a Department of Education rule defining which graduate programs qualify as “professional degree” programs for federal loan purposes. As a result, a limited number of graduate programs may be affected. Borrowers in these programs may be eligible for higher Direct Loan amounts and will receive additional communications from SFS about their eligibility. We’re closely monitoring this situation and are working on additional resources to keep you informed. Thank you for being patient as we navigate these changes together. If you have questions about whether your program is impacted or your loan eligibility has changed, please reach out to our office using the SFS Inquiry Form.
The choice between enrolling full-time or less than full-time matters more than ever for federal Direct Loan borrowers. Our latest knowledge base article breaks down how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects federal student loan amounts for students enrolled less than full-time, so you know what to expect in your financial aid offer. You can learn more by visiting “How does less than full-time enrollment affect my federal loan eligibility?” and keeping an eye out for additional updates on the Federal Aid Updates page of the SFS website.
If you have questions about any of these updates, please don’t hesitate to contact our office using the SFS Inquiry Form.