Financing your education

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. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for aid, as well as a limited number of international applicants. International students should click here for more information. Northwestern financial assistance is generally not available to transfer or returning adult students during their first year at the University. Students applying for a second bachelor's degree are not eligible for assistance through Northwestern University funds.

Financial aid is awarded almost exclusively on the basis of need. 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.

You will be notified of your financial aid award at the time of admission or shortly thereafter — assuming we have received all the required aid documents in a timely fashion.

> Frequently asked questions

Special Feature

Myths about Financial Aid

Myths about Financial Aid