Skip the wait.
Get enrolled.
The Fast App is Northeastern Online's performance-based admissions pathway. Earn graduate admission by completing real coursework, not paperwork. No résumé, no essays, no GRE. Get enrolled in minutes.
Submit your Fast App.
It only takes a couple of minutes: just a few quick questions to get started. Once received, you'll get access to enroll and we'll set up your student account. We'll also send you useful information about your program, including next steps, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your Northeastern experience.
No résumé. No essays. No GRE. No commitment until you enroll.
A clear path from application to enrollment.
No need to gather application materials. No need to wait for an admissions decision. Let your performance in your coursework serve as your application into your graduate program.
Every Northeastern Online degree program is eligible for the Fast App. Pick the one that aligns with where you want your career to go.
Provide some basic information and details about your bachelor's degree. That's it. No résumé, no essays, no GRE, no letters of recommendation. We'll start creating your student account.
You'll receive an email to enroll in up to two pathway courses, beginning at the start of the upcoming term. Submit your official undergraduate transcripts as early as possible during this phase.
Earn a B or better in both pathway courses and submit your official transcripts, then complete a short form to confirm you're ready. You'll bring all your earned credits with you as you move into the full degree program.
What is performance-based admissions?
The Fast App is Northeastern Online's performance-based admissions pathway. Instead of gathering transcripts, writing essays, and waiting for a decision, you earn your way in by completing real graduate coursework. Let your performance in your coursework serve as your application into your graduate program.
What are pathway courses?
Your two pathway courses are real graduate courses from your program, not additional or supplemental coursework. They serve as both your entry point and your proof of concept. Earn a B or better in both courses, submit your official transcripts, and you'll move directly into the full degree program with all credits applied.
International students: Northeastern Online programs are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship.
Should you use the Fast App?
The Fast App is the best fit for most students, but not every student. Here's how to choose the path that matches your situation.
Skip the traditional admissions materials and earn your way in through real graduate coursework.
- Want to get enrolled quickly
- Want to prove your readiness through coursework rather than paperwork
- Have the skills but not the technical background or undergraduate degree to gain admission the traditional way
- Hold a bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited institution in the U.S.
A full admissions decision before you begin. The right fit when you need federal aid up front or have international transcripts.
- Have international transcripts: they won't be evaluated for admission into the full program until after you've paid for and completed your pathway courses. View our transcript resources →
- Need federal financial aid: federal aid is not available for the pathway courses in the Fast App
- Prefer a full admissions decision before committing to any coursework
No extra costs. No surprises.
There are no additional costs for starting through the Fast App pathway. You'll pay the same per-credit tuition rate as students enrolled in the full degree program. Your one-time $199 enrollment deposit is applied directly to your first tuition bill. It's not an extra fee.
Fast App Scholarship: Students who enroll through the Fast App receive an additional scholarship toward their program, applied automatically at enrollment. No separate application needed.
View full tuition and scholarship details →
Fast App deadlines.
Deadlines vary by program and term. See the full schedule for half-term and semester programs on our deadlines page.
Free badge courses at enrollment.
Once you enroll in your first Northeastern Online program, you'll unlock immediate access to free non-credit badge courses, normally $499 each. Build your skills and boost your résumé while you wait for your term to begin.
Check your Fast App status.
Provide the name and email you used when filling out the Degree Fast App to find your next steps.
Put the work into the program,
not the application.
The Fast App is a direct path to enrollment: designed for people who are ready to demonstrate what they can do.