Financial Aid & Awards
Financial aid at Northeastern University is available through several major sources. First, Northeastern University's Office of Financial Aid, located at 356 Richards Hall, provides general information on graduate funding and application assistance for federal work-study grants and federal loan programs. Second, the Department of Political Science offers financial support through Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Student Scholarships, Research Assistantships, and, for advanced doctoral students, opportunities to teach courses as Senior Graduate Assistants or adjunct lecturers. Finally, there are various other specialized scholarships and funding offered by other departments and units at Northeastern. All these opportunities are discussed in more detail below.
Office of Financial Aid
Northeastern University's Office of Financial Aid in 356 Richards Hall provides general information to students regarding various types of funding opportunities. You may want to read over their Graduate Financing Guide for information on financial aid opportunities for student considering graduate study at Northeastern.
In addition to providing useful information, they also assist U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and determine federal aid eligibility based on this application. Eligible students may receive federal loans or work-study opportunities through the FAFSA. Please note, your exact eligibility will also be based on your enrollment and other aid you might be receiving.
You can contact the Office of Financial Aid via e-mail at sfs@neu.edu or by calling (617) 373-5899.
Departmental Awards
Departmental financial support consists of Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Student Scholarships, Research Assistantships, and, for advanced doctoral students, opportunities to teach courses as adjunct lecturers or Senior Graduate Assistants.
We do not require a separate application for any of these awards. New students only need to indicate their interest in assistanship consideration on their admission application and continuing students will automatically be considered when funds are available. Award decisions are made by a committee of the department and are based upon merit. Final award determination will be made by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students with financial awards through the Department of Political Science must maintain the minimum grade point average mandated by their particular program at all times. In addition, if receiving an incomplete grade in a course, an incomplete grade contract must be on file with the Graduate School and Registrar's Office and all coursework to satisfy the incomplete must be completed within six weeks of the final exam week of the semester in which the incomplete was taken. Failure to comply with these rules will mean the loss of financial aid through the Department of Political Science. Additionally, students should refer to the specific terms of their award sent at the time the award is offered.
Teaching Assistants
Teaching Assistants (TAs) receive a tuition scholarship as well as a stipend in return for academic assistance to the department, such as leading discussion sections in introductory undergraduate courses, grading student exams, and supporting faculty research. Teaching assistants work approximately twenty hours per week. Students must be full-time to receive Teaching Assistantships and awarding preferences are given to our PhD students.
Graduate Student Scholarships
Graduate Student Scholarship's (GSSs) provide a tuition waiver (a scholarship) of a predetermined dollar amount. There is no work requirement. GSSs can only be awarded to full-time students.
Research Assistants
Research Assistants (RAs) receive a tuition scholarship as well as a stipend in return for twenty hours per week of research assistance to a faculty member in the department.
Adjunct Lecturer Opportunities
Adjunct lecturer opportunities are available for advanced doctoral students. Adjunct lecturers are the instructors of record for a course, typically an introductory course, and are responsible for all aspects of the course. Lecturers are hired either as Senior SGAs, in which case they receive tuition remission as well as an annual stipend for teaching three courses during the year, or as part-time instructors, in which case they receive a per course stipend only.
Students seeking such a position should demonstrate their preparation to give lectures and perform other tasks required for a lecturer. This includes the delivery of at least two lectures in an undergraduate class and a recommendation from a full-time faculty member. Typically, this preparation will be done during one of the semesters in which the student serves as a TA. All adjunct lecturer assignments are made by the Chair of the Department of Political Science in consultation with graduate program faculty.
Other Possible Northeastern University Awards
Graduate Dean's Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarships are awarded to the incoming professional masters students based upon academic achievement. To be eligible for consideration, a student must be in the top one third of their program's incoming class. No separate application is required beyond the admissions application materials. Students selected for the Dean's Scholarship will be notified by their academic department or Dean's Office. Students who receive these forms of assistance may have reduced eligibility for need-based aid.
The Double Husky Scholarship
Northeastern University offers a 25% tuition reduction to recent NU Alumni and current Seniors across more than 100 master's and certificate programs. Find out more by visiting the The Double Husky Scholarship website.