Early Decision Benefits
Applying Early Decision for Fall 2023
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. As you begin, we encourage you to watch this video from Tim Kelly, which provides an overview and key tips to help you navigate the application process.
Apply Early
Students applying Early Decision have two deadlines to select from. Visit our How to Apply page for detailed next steps. Fall 2023 Early Decision applicants will be bound to their first-choice preference if they are admitted into that program. This is a new policy for this admissions cycle and will be true for preferences of any of our five enrollment options. ED applicants will not be bound to an enrollment program if they are admitted into a program that was not their first-choice preference—a non-binding decision would be issued. All applicants are asked for their program preferences in the institution specific section of the application; however, ED applicants will be sent a communication clarifying this policy and with the option to confirm or adjust their preference. The Early Decision Agreement will be applied for Boston enrollment in the instance of applicants who do not indicate a preferred program. Additional information regarding our enrollment opportunities may be found here.
Early Decision I
Application Deadline: November 1
Decisions Released By: December 15
Early Decision II
Application Deadline: January 1
Decisions Released By: March 1
Early Decision Benefits
- An Application Fee Waiver will be available for those who are applying Early Decision I or Early Decision II and are applying for Financial Aid.
Ability to earn credits through NU Accelerate Scholarship
Early Decision enrolling students can launch their Northeastern academic experience before they even graduate through remote, asynchronous coursework offered through NU Accelerate: Pre-College Programs. Leveraging coursework curated specifically for first-year students, Early Decision students will be awarded a scholarship to take up to two courses between the Spring and Summer terms. Early Decision I students will be eligible for the Spring and Summer terms; Early Decision II students will be eligible for Summer term only. Courses will span a wide range of academic areas, such as Writing, Calculus, Economics, Global Health, First Year Writing, Calculus, Business, Art, History, Psychology, and more. Additional information on NU Accelerate will be shared in the coming weeks.