NEU Academic Calendar

Northeastern University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, operates on a semester-based academic calendar with unique features tailored to its cooperative education (co-op) program. The university typically divides its academic year into fall, spring, and summer semesters, with fall classes starting in early September and concluding in mid-December, spring semester running from early January to late April, and summer terms offering flexible sessions from May through August. Northeastern’s calendar is distinguished by its integration of co-op experiences, allowing students to alternate between academic study and full-time work placements, often extending their academic journey over five years. This structure provides built-in periods for professional development alongside traditional academic breaks like winter and spring recesses.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first day of classes following Labor Day weekend).
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (university closed for the holiday period).
• Fall Semester End: December 12, 2025 (last day of classes, followed by final exams through mid-December).
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 5, 2026 (extended holiday closure).
• Spring Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (classes resume after winter break).
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (mid-semester recess for students).
• Spring Semester End: April 24, 2026 (last day of classes, followed by finals).
• Commencement: Early May 2026 (specific date to be announced, typically held at TD Garden).

• Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025 (binding option with notification by mid-December 2025).
• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (non-binding, with decisions released by early February 2026).
• Early Decision II Deadline: January 1, 2026 (binding, with notification by mid-February 2026).
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 1, 2026 (decisions typically released by early April 2026).
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 (recommended for priority consideration alongside admissions applications).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (for admitted students to secure their spot in the Class of 2030).

Northeastern’s academic calendar aligns with many U.S. universities in the Northeast, adhering to traditional semester breaks around major holidays like Thanksgiving and winter recess. Its co-op program, however, introduces a level of flexibility not commonly found in standard academic schedules, allowing students, including international ones, to balance academics with professional experience. This structure may require additional planning for visa compliance or travel during co-op terms. Additionally, the university’s scheduling often accommodates regional weather patterns, with a longer winter break to account for potential disruptions in Boston’s harsh winters, ensuring continuity in academic and co-op commitments.