Refund Policies

Inquiries about credit balances should be directed to Student Accounts. Credit balances on a student's account will be automatically refunded. 

Note the following exceptions:

  • If the credit in your account is due to a Parent PLUS Loan, supplemental loan, and/or payment plan payment(s), the credit balance will be refunded to the bill payer on record unless a Refund Authorization form, stating that funds may be released directly to the student, is received from that borrower.
  • If a credit card has been used to pay any portion of the amount due, the refund must be made first to that credit card. If the credit balance on the account exceeds the amount that was paid via credit card, these additional funds will be refunded by direct deposit or check.

For additional information regarding student refunds, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Student Financial Services website. 

Official Withdrawal Adjustments

Students who officially withdraw, either from a course or from the university, during an academic term will receive a tuition refund based on the policy specified below. Institutional funds awarded by Northeastern University will be adjusted based on the actual charges incurred during the semester. Funds from federal Title IV programs will be returned to the government according to federal regulations. The federal government Return of Funds Policy dictates that a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid is determined by the number of days enrolled during the semester. The refund will be calculated from the day the student submits an official notification of withdrawal to the Office of the University Registrar.

Tuition credits are granted through the first five weeks of a semester or first four weeks of a half semester, based on the date of the official withdrawal processed by the Office of the University Registrar. Nonattendance does not constitute official withdrawal. Credit policies vary according to the duration of the course. Typical tuition adjustments are made according to the following schedule. (The end of week three corresponds with the last day to drop a class without a W grade.)

During Full Semester

During weeks one through three—100% refund
During the fourth week—60% refund
During the fifth week—40% refund
After the fifth week—No refund

Summer Half Semesters and Courses Offered in Part-of-Term Format

During weeks one through two—100% refund
During the third week—50% refund
During the fourth week—25% refund
After the fourth week—No refund

Leave of Absence Tuition and Fee Adjustments

Please refer to Leaves of Absence and University Withdrawal.

Disability Resource Center Tuition Adjustments

Students who are registered with Northeastern's Disability Resource Center and who are approved for a disability-related reduced course load may be eligible to petition the DRC for tuition adjustments directly related to their documented disability. Further information is available from the DRC.

State-, Province-, and Country-Specific Refund Policies

For state-, province-, and country-specific refund information, visit the Student Financial Services website.