Early Decision Benefits
Applying Early Decision
For students whose unequivocal first choice is Northeastern, we recommend you consider applying Early Decision.
To recognize that Early Decision students make a commitment to us, we’re making a commitment to you by offering additional benefits to those considering applying Early Decision and to those who are ultimately admitted through the Early Decision program.
What is Early Decision at Northeastern?
We understand that no two schools are quite the same, and it is important for you to understand what it means to apply Early Decision to Northeastern. The benefits we offer, even before you apply, will help you and your family determine if ED at Northeastern is a good fit for you. Students applying Early Decision have two deadlines to select from—Early Decision I and Early Decision II. Visit our How to Apply page for detailed next steps. Early Decision applicants will be bound to enroll if admitted to their first-choice enrollment program. ED applicants will not be bound to enroll if they are admitted into a program that was not their first-choice preference—in this case a non-binding decision would be issued. All applicants are asked for their program preferences in the institution specific section of the application. Additional information regarding our enrollment opportunities may be found here.
Early Decision Benefits
The benefits of applying through Early Decision come in two forms—pre-application benefits and post-admission benefits. Beginning with an application fee waiver, these opportunities help to set you up for success now while ensuring support for your future goals, too. Click through the tabs below to learn more!
Students applying for Early Decision I or Early Decision II will be eligible for a $75 application fee waiver. To have your application fee waived, select the Early Decision applicant option from the fee waiver dropdown in your application.
In order to provide you and your family with the ability to make an informed financial commitment, we are committed to providing you with an early estimated need-based financial aid review. To receive yours, you must submit the following:
- An application to Northeastern for Fall 2026 via the Common App or Coalition App. Please note an Early Decision application is not required for the review. All application types will be able to receive an early aid review if students are considering a change to Early Decision.
- Your 2026-2027 CSS Profile (and NCP Profile if required).
- The Early Aid Review Request. This will be available to all Fall 2026 domestic applicants via their Application Status Check.
- Any additional financial aid documents (such as federal tax returns) that may be required by Student Financial Services.
*This offering is for domestic students only as international applicants do not qualify for need-based aid. Early estimates for merit scholarships are not possible, as these are tied to the admissions review and selection process.
Review Timeline:
| Early Decision I Window | Early Decision II Window | |
| Early Aid Review Request Opens | October 1 | November 25 |
| Early Aid Review Request and supporting documents due | October 17 | December 12 |
| Early Aid Reviews returned to students | by November 1 | by January 1 |
| Application deadline | November 1 | January 1 |
| Admissions decisions released | by January 1 | by March 1 |
Admitted Early Decision students who are enrolling through one of our five first-year programs can launch their Northeastern academic experience before they even graduate through remote, asynchronous coursework.
Leveraging coursework curated specifically for first-year students, Early Decision students will be awarded a scholarship valued at $17,000 to take up to two courses prior to matriculation. Courses will span a wide range of academic areas, such as Writing, Calculus, Global Health, History, Psychology, and more. Additional information on NU Accelerate will be shared upon admission.
*International students currently studying in the U.S. with F-1 non-immigrant status will need to speak with an NU Accelerate advisor before registering for courses.
Made available to enrolling Early Decision students in the spring, these early virtual group advising sessions will provide committed students with an advanced look into what to expect during course registration. From preparing to bring in credit to when to start planning for co-op and global experiences, our advisors look forward to sharing their expertise with you.
Please note that no formal one-to-one advising will be completed during these sessions; that process, along with course registration, occurs during the summer.
Students admitted through Early Decision into one of our five first-year programs who are required or elect to live in university housing in Boston or Oakland for 2027-2028 and who meet all application and deposit deadlines will receive priority selection numbers within their grouping of other rising second-year students.
Students who enroll through Early Decision will have access to a fund of $5,000 to pursue experiences during their second year and beyond. Dollars may be used for global experiences such as traditional study abroad, Semester In, Summer In, and Dialogue of Civilizations.
Early Decision Programming
We offer virtual and in-person programming on our Boston campus for students to learn more about the Northeastern experience and the benefits of applying Early Decision. Click below to see what's coming up and register!