Early Decision Benefits
Applying Early Decision for Fall 2025
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.
Early Decision Programming
If you are interested in applying Early Decision at Northeastern we offer virtual and in-person events. Additional offerings will be made available throughout the summer and fall.
Apply Early
Students applying Early Decision have two deadlines to select from. Visit our How to Apply page for detailed next steps. Fall 2025 Early Decision applicants will be bound to their first-choice preference if they are admitted into that program. This 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. Additional information regarding our enrollment opportunities may be found here.
Early Decision I
Application Deadline: November 1
Decisions Released By: January 1
Early Decision II
Application Deadline: January 1
Decisions Released By: March 1
Early Decision Benefits
- Application Fee Waiver: Students applying for Early Decision I or Early Decision II will be eligible for an application fee waiver.
- Early Need-Based Financial Aid Estimate*: 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 by December 13, 2024:
- An application to Northeastern for Fall 2025 via 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 2025-2026 CSS Profile (and NCP Profile if required).
- The Early Aid Review Request. This will be available November 25, 2024 for all Fall 2025 domestic applicants via their Application Status Check.
- Any additional financial aid documents (such as federal tax returns) that may be required by Student Financial Service.
*This offering is for domestic students only as international applicants do not qualify for need based aid.
Ability to earn credits through NU Accelerate Scholarship*
Early Decision students enrolling through one of our five first-year programs 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 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.