Paying for graduate school can feel like a major hurdle—especially if you’re unsure where to start. But at Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences, financial aid isn’t just available—it’s built into the path forward. Whether you’re planning ahead or already navigating the admissions process, you have access to resources that can make a Bouvé education more affordable and achievable.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear breakdown of the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to Bouvé graduate students, as well plus tips for taking the first step with confidence.
Understanding the Cost of Graduate Education at Bouvé
As a student at Bouvé, you can expect to budget for tuition, university fees, books, course materials, and possibly clinical supplies. Depending on your program and location, housing and living expenses may also be part of the total cost.
While these costs can feel significant, graduate education in the health sciences is an investment in your career and your future. And fortunately, there are a wide range of financial resources available to help offset the burden so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier.
To view current tuition rates and estimated expenses, visit Northeastern’s Graduate Financial Aid page.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Whether you’re pursuing nursing, public health, or pharmacy, Bouvé offers a range of financial support options to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and help you move forward with confidence. Here’s how to navigate your options.
1. Federal and State Financial Aid
The financial aid process starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting this form allows you to access several major forms of financial assistance. Even if you’ve completed a FAFSA before, it’s important to submit a new one each academic year to stay eligible for aid.
Here are the main types of funding you may be eligible for:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to most graduate students and begin accruing interest as soon as the funds are disbursed. While you’re enrolled at least half-time, you won’t be required to make payments.
- Graduate PLUS Loans: Federal loans that require a credit check and are often used to supplement unsubsidized loans. These can be used to cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
- State Grants or Tuition Remission: Depending on where you live, you may qualify for additional financial aid like need-based or merit-based grants and tuition remission programs for those pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare.
These resources are designed to make graduate education more accessible and affordable. Planning ahead and applying early can give you a clearer picture of what to expect, so you can focus more on your studies and your future.
2. Institutional Scholarships and Grants
Northeastern recognizes the investment you’re making in your future. As a result, it offers a variety of institutional funding opportunities to help support your graduate education. These scholarships and grants are designed to ease financial barriers while rewarding academic achievement, leadership, and your potential to make a difference in healthcare.
As a Bouvé graduate student, you may be considered for institutional aid as part of the admissions and financial aid review process. While availability varies by program, many students benefit from additional support that helps reduce their overall cost of attendance and minimizes reliance on loans.
You may be eligible for:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These competitive awards are granted to select applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, or relevant professional experience. In many cases, no separate application is needed. Your eligibility is often evaluated as part of your admission file.
- Need-Based Support: Some programs offer need-based grants or additional institutional aid. Your eligibility may be determined in part by the information you submit through the FAFSA, along with a broader review of your financial circumstances.
Institutional aid can make a meaningful difference in how you finance your degree. It’s worth exploring these options early in your application process so you can build a financial strategy that aligns with your goals.
3. Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
Graduate assistantships and fellowships are valuable ways to fund your education while building experience that aligns with your career goals. These positions are typically offered through your academic department and may involve teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.
In many cases, assistantships and fellowships offer partial or full tuition remission. Some also include a stipend to help cover living expenses while you’re enrolled. These roles not only reduce the financial burden of graduate school but also give you the chance to work closely with faculty, contribute to ongoing research, and strengthen your skills in a professional, real-world setting.
Availability varies by program, so it’s important to inquire early. Each department manages its own assistantship and fellowship opportunities, including timelines and application processes. Connecting with your program coordinator as soon as possible can help you plan ahead and make the most of what’s available.
4. Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If you’re currently working in healthcare or the nonprofit sector, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement as part of your benefits package. Many organizations actively encourage continued education—especially in fields like nursing, public health, healthcare administration, and pharmacy.
Some companies provide annual tuition reimbursement up to a certain amount, while others may cover a percentage of your tuition costs for approved programs. For example, major hospital systems like Mass General Brigham offer tuition assistance of up to $5,250 annually for full-time employees and up to $2,625 for those who work part-time. These benefits can significantly offset your out-of-pocket expenses while allowing you to grow within your current organization.
It’s a good idea to connect with your Human Resources department early in the process to understand what’s available. Ask about tuition assistance policies, eligibility requirements, and whether your employer has an existing partnership with Northeastern. Some organizations have formal agreements with the university that may include tuition discounts or direct billing options.
5. External Scholarships for Health Sciences Students
In addition to federal, state, and institutional aid, you can also apply for scholarships offered by outside organizations. These external scholarships are a great way to supplement your financial plan and are often geared toward students pursuing careers in nursing, pharmacy, public health, and other health science fields.
Start your search with reputable scholarship databases like Scholarships.com, which compile thousands of national and regional opportunities for graduate students. You can create a profile, set preferences, and receive tailored scholarship matches throughout the year.
Professional associations are also a valuable resource. Organizations like the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), American Public Health Association (APHA), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) frequently offer scholarships, fellowships, or loan repayment programs for students preparing to work in underserved communities or advancing leadership in the field.
Pro tip: Search for scholarships that align with your area of study. Many awards are tied to specific programs or professional tracks, such as graduate-level nursing, pharmacy, or public health. Narrowing your focus can help you find scholarships that are less competitive and more relevant to your career goals.
6. Military and Veteran Benefits
Northeastern is proud to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students as they take the next step in their education. As a designated Yellow Ribbon School, Northeastern helps cover tuition and mandatory fees that exceed the annual cap of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. This means eligible students can often pursue a graduate degree at little to no personal cost, depending on their benefits and program of study.
Military and veteran students at Northeastern also have access to a wide range of additional resources. Through the Dolce Center for the Advancement of Veterans and Servicemembers (CAVS), you’ll find personalized guidance on how to apply your education benefits, navigate financial aid, and access academic and career support. Whether you’re continuing a healthcare career or transitioning into the field for the first time, CAVS is there to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Additional support may include:
- Monthly housing allowances and book stipends through the GI Bill®
- Help coordinating benefits with other forms of financial aid
- A dedicated military and veterans services team to answer questions and advocate for your needs
If you plan to use military benefits, it’s a good idea to connect with Northeastern’s Military and Veterans Services office early in the admissions process. They’ll help ensure your paperwork is in order, your timeline is clear, and that you’re receiving every benefit available to you.
The Right Support to Make Your Goals Happen
Financing your education is an important part of the graduate school journey—but it shouldn’t stand in the way of your goals. Whether you’re advancing in your current healthcare role or preparing to enter a new area of the health sciences, there are a wide range of financial aid options available to help you make it happen.
Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences is committed to helping future healthcare leaders like you access the resources you need to succeed. From federal aid and institutional scholarships to assistantships, employer support, and military benefits, there are multiple ways to make a Bouvé graduate education more affordable.
Your work has the potential to shape the future of healthcare. With the right support behind you, there’s no limit to the impact you can make.
FAQs About Financial Aid and Scholarships at Bouvé
To apply for financial aid, start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Northeastern’s School Code. Once submitted, the university’s Student Financial Services team will review your eligibility for federal loans, work-study, and other aid. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation, so keep an eye on your email for next steps.
Scholarship and assistantship availability can vary by program. Some Bouvé graduate programs offer merit-based scholarships, while others provide opportunities for research or teaching assistantships. It’s a good idea to check with your specific program to learn more about what’s available and how to apply.
Yes, you can submit your FAFSA and begin the financial aid process before receiving an admission decision. Doing so helps you stay ahead of important deadlines and ensures that your aid package can be reviewed promptly if you’re accepted.
While international students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, some scholarships and fellowships may be available through specific graduate programs or Northeastern’s Office of Global Services. External scholarships and private funding sources may also be an option.
Yes, financial aid has deadlines that vary by term and program. Submitting your FAFSA as early as possible is recommended, especially if you want to be considered for all available funding. Be sure to review key dates on Northeastern’s Student Financial Services website or contact them directly for program-specific deadlines.
