FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Northeastern University offers graduate students a variety of means of financial assistance. In addition to various types of assistantships awarded on merit by individual graduate schools and administrative offices, Student Financial Services administers several forms of financial aid.

Student Financial Services administers financial aid programs for graduate students, primarily in the form of loans, including Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Work Study, and Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. The financial aid application process can be rigorous and is strictly regulated. Comprehensive information is available at www.financialaid.neu.edu.

Stipended Graduate Assistantships (SGA)
Full-time graduate students are eligible to apply for a variety of assistantships and fellowship programs. Awards are made based primarily upon the applicant’s prior academic performance. SGAs are typically awarded for two semesters starting in the fall and continuing through spring. SGAs earn a stipend (currently valued at $8,250 per semester) and tuition remission for approved course work. In exchange, students must work twenty hours per week, through final exam week. SGA stipends are considered taxable income. There are two categories of SGA appointments:

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) are awarded to students who have a strong academic background and demonstrate an interest and proficiency in research. These appointments are typically funded by research grants made to faculty members by industry or governmental agencies. The duration of any GRA appointment is therefore contingent upon funding availability.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) are awarded by academic departments and are available to students with proficiency in teaching. These positions generally require the performance of teaching-related duties such as grading, conducting recitations and laboratories, and occasionally teaching undergraduate classes. GTAs are required to attend various training sessions and workshops sponsored by the College of Engineering and the University. In addition, GTAs who speak English as a second language must attend training sessions sponsored by the English Language Center.

Northeastern University Tuition Assistantships (NUTA) are awarded to well-qualified students to support faculty in teaching activities. In exchange for a 10-hour per week work commitment, NUTAs earn tuition remission for a maximum of eight semester hours of approved course work. The tuition remission is considered taxable income as it is compensation for work performed.

Dean’s Graduate Scholarships are awarded to well-qualified students and provide tuition remission.

Northeastern University Excellence Fellowships are awarded to GTAs who show exceptional academic merit during their undergraduate degree programs.

Northeastern University Diversity Fellowships are awarded to a limited number of minority students accepted for full-time study in the graduate schools of the University. The awards are competitive within each graduate school and include tuition remission. The fellowships are awarded to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Graduate Fellowships are awarded to a limited number of eligible students. These fellowships cover full tuition and general fees. The John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute administers the program. Detailed information is available at www.aai.neu.edu.

Resident Assistant Staff Positions
A limited number of residence staff positions in University housing facilities are available each year. Appointments include minimum compensation of room and board. More information is available on-line at www.housing.neu.edu.

Note: All assistantship and fellowship appointments are considered a financial resource and may impact a student’s financial aid (if applicable) award as determined by Student Financial Services.