The School of Law offers a number of programs to ensure you’ll get the support you need to earn a top-rate legal education.
We are pleased to provide information about tuition scholarships, loans and additional resources. We also suggest you check out our curated list of Financial Aid links at the bottom of this page for information on outside scholarships and writing competitions.
Tuition scholarships represent a three-year commitment by the School of Law, with awards guaranteed for second- and third-year students as long as recipients remain in good academic standing. We offer a variety of merit-based tuition scholarships to first-year law students. The Public Interest Law Scholarship, Health Policy and Law Scholarship and Intellectual Property and Innovation Scholarship are full-tuition scholarships offered to several admitted applicants each year.
There are also a number of co-op stipends for public interest law internships and other specific types of co-op placements, and the student-run Cooperative Income Sharing Program supports those who pursue non- or under-paid public interest co-ops. Northeastern University is also investing $2 million to help post-9/11 veterans earn degrees through the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program.
After graduation, the federal College Cost Reduction and Access Act combined with our Fund for the Public Interest Loan Deferral and Forgiveness Program can substantially reduce the debt obligations of graduates entering qualifying public interest or public service careers.
All applicants requesting financial assistance (federal loans, institutional scholarships/grants) are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by the stated filing dates to ensure priority consideration. If you are not eligible for federal financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid to submit a statement of income to be considered for non-federal need-based grants and scholarships. We offer specific guidelines for students admitted to the first-year class as well as current students:
At Northeastern Law, we are committed to providing access to all admitted students. Each year, the School of Law awards more than $6.2 million to first-year students based on a combination of need and merit. We recognize that most students require financial assistance to cover the cost of attending law school; our job is to make that process as smooth as possible for you.
The law school offers financial assistance through federal and institutional aid programs. In order to be considered for these programs, students must complete the financial aid process each year.
Some students mistakenly believe they must wait for a decision on their admission application before beginning their aid application. It is important that any student interested in receiving aid apply by the priority application dates. To be considered for all sources of financial assistance students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Northeastern Law does NOT require parental information on the FAFSA.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Applicants should file this form through the federal government’s website: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Northeastern’s federal institution code is 002199. The 2021-2022 Priority Filing Date for FAFSA is February 15, 2021.
The Office of Financial Aid staff are committed to supporting you during your three years at the law school and beyond. While it is likely that your financial picture will remain the same during your time at the law school, we encourage you to seek us out if you have questions about your assistance package, changes in your financial situation and for information about loans, loan repayment or any other financing options available to you.
We would like to remind you that:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Applicants should file this form through the federal government’s website: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Northeastern’s federal institution code is 002199. Please note that returning students are NOT required to submit a copy of their Federal Income Tax Return and W-2 Forms unless selected for verification. If an applicant is chosen for verification, separate notification will be made.
Informational and Scholarship Searches
Government Links
Links for International Students
How do I apply for financial aid?
All students interested in being considered for financial aid must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at fafsa.ed.gov. Northeastern’s federal institution code is 002199. If you are not eligible for federal financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid to submit a statement of income to be considered for non-federal need-based grants and scholarships.
Is there a deadline to apply for aid?
Northeastern Law’s priority financial aid filing deadline is February 15. Students can apply for aid after the priority deadline, but because we have limited need-based funding it is best to apply before the deadline.
How do I apply for my refund?
All financial aid funds flow through the student’s tuition account here at Northeastern University. Once all charges for the term have been satisfied, any excess credit from financial aid funds can be released to the student by way of a cash refund request. Students may request these excess funds, as well as check their account balance/credits, through the myNortheastern portal. The refund request form can be found under the self-service tab, “Student Refund Request.” Please note that you must have a valid credit in your account in order to request a cash refund request. Funds cannot be released to a student any earlier than the first day of the semester. As such, it is important that each student adequately prepare to meet their living expenses through at least the first week of each term.
How do I get my funds?
Students who complete the direct deposit form prior to completing the student refund request will have their funds directly deposited into their bank account. It typically takes five business days for the funds to deposit. If a student has not completed the direct deposit form, a check will be mailed directly to the student.
How do I put my loans into deferment once I am in law school?
For students needing verification of enrollment, please visit the Registrar’s website.
My scholarship requires that I remain in good academic standing. What does this mean?
As long as a student is enrolled and has not been dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons, they are in good standing. However, no student may receive institutional aid (merit or need-based) for more than six academic terms. Should a student require additional academic semesters or terms beyond the standard six terms necessary to complete the JD, institutional aid will not be available.
What is the College Cost Reduction and Access Act?
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 established a new public service loan forgiveness program. This program discharges any remaining debt after 10 years of full-time employment in public service. The borrower must have made 120 payments as part of the Direct Loan Program in order to obtain this benefit. Only payments made on or after October 1, 2007, count toward the required 120 monthly payments. (Borrowers will need to consolidate into Direct Lending in order to qualify for this loan forgiveness program.)
Can I use my NUSL merit and need-based aid while I am enrolled in a dual-degree program?
If you are enrolled in a dual-degree program through another degree program at another university you will need to apply for financial aid through that school. Your financial aid, merit, need-based or loan funds cannot be used while you are attending another university. During your time at the other institution, you will pay them tuition and will be eligible to receive financial aid from them. Your scholarship only applies to tuition you pay to the law school.
If you are enrolled in a dual-degree program through another school or college at Northeastern University, you will receive financial aid from the Graduate Financial Aid Office. Your law school scholarships only apply to the academic terms that you are enrolled at the Schoo of Law.
NUSL Scholarship Retention Data
