A Guide to Financial Aid for Northeastern’s Bachelor’s Completion Programs

At Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies, we’re committed to putting your bachelor’s degree within reach with financial aid opportunities like loans, grants, and scholarships worth up to $10,000. 

While the process of applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming, our admissions team is here every step of the way. Follow these steps to apply for financial aid and start your journey toward earning your bachelor’s degree at Northeastern.

5 steps in the financial aid process

1. Determine your eligibility

To receive federal financial aid, you must meet the following eligibility requirements set by the Department of Education:

• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
• Be registered with Selective Service if you’re a male between 18 and 25 years old.
• Be enrolled in or accepted by an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward your degree or certificate.

2. Submit your CPS bachelor’s program application

Before applying for financial aid, you must first submit your application to your intended bachelor’s program. 

3. Complete your FAFSA

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’re ready to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note, it is important that you fill out the correct FAFSA.

• For example, if you are applying to spring 2024 or summer 2024 terms: Complete the 2023–2024 FAFSA.   
• Or, if you are applying to fall 2024, spring 2025, or summer 2025 terms: Complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA.

Remember, you must complete your financial aid application two weeks before your term ends. After this time, you will be responsible for the full cost of your course for the term. We recommend completing your FAFSA and financial aid application at least four weeks prior to the start of the term to allow for processing time from the Student Financial Services team.

Can FAFSA cover full tuition?

FAFSA is designed to determine your eligibility for various types of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs to help cover educational expenses. While FAFSA does not provide funds, the financial aid awarded based on its assessment can sometimes cover full tuition, especially if you combine this award with other scholarships and grants. Your eligibility for this aid typically depends on your financial need, the cost of attendance, and the available funding from federal, state, and school-based aid programs.

4. Check your email for financial aid award notification

Once you have submitted your FAFSA, make sure to monitor your email.* Our Student Financial Services office may reach out if additional information or documentation is required. Admitted students (with a complete financial aid application) will be notified electronically of their financial aid award based on their registration period for their term of entry. 

You can check on your award status any time by: 

1. Visiting your myNortheastern account
2. Selecting Services and Links
3. Clicking on “My Financial Aid Status”
4. Clicking on the menu bar
   1. To view the award, click on “My Award”
   2. To see if documents are missing, click on “Documents and Messages”

*Please note, eligible students who qualify for scholarships will be sent a letter upon admittance into their program; however, scholarships will not be posted on your account until your financial aid application has been completed. If you are waiting on your financial aid award and are not applying for federal financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services to let them know so they can complete your financial aid application and post your award to your account. You can contact Student Financial Services by emailing [email protected]. 

5. Communicate any changes to your enrollment to Student Financial Services

Once you have reviewed your award, make sure to contact the Student Financial Services office with any questions or if your enrollment plans change. We understand you may have to defer your enrollment, but it is important to let our offices know.

If you still have questions about how to apply for financial aid, please visit the Student Financial Services website to learn more. We also recommend checking out these pages to answer some commonly asked questions:

• College of Professional Students Financial Aid Application Checklist 
• How to Apply for Financial Aid
• What Types of Financial Aid are Available?  

Unlock financial aid opportunities at Northeastern

Begin your academic journey with confidence at Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies. We provide various financial aid options to help make your education affordable, including scholarships, grants, and loans tailored to your needs. Applying for these opportunities is the first step toward advancing your career and expanding your opportunities. At Northeastern, we believe in supporting your aspirations with resources that empower you to succeed.