Financing your education

The information below is for U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. International students should click here.

If you have already applied for financial aid or are in the process of applying as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, more detailed information is available here.

Northwestern is committed to meeting the full institutional need of undergraduates for four years. We provide assistance to students who otherwise would not be able to attend. Families who believe that they cannot meet the cost of a Northwestern education with their available resources (parents' and students' incomes, savings, and other assets) should apply for financial aid. Students applying for a second bachelor's degree are not eligible for assistance through Northwestern University funds.

In the 2008-09 academic year, Northwestern will provide $78 million of its own funds for financial aid for undergraduate students. Ninety-nine percent of this money is in the form of grants which are awarded solely on the basis of financial need as demonstrated through the FAFSA and CSS Profile. The other one percent is in the form of scholarships awarded to National Merit Scholars and talent-based awards for Music students.

> Frequently asked questions

Special Feature

Myths about Financial Aid

Myths about Financial Aid