Financing your education

Applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid in the form of grants/scholarships, loans, and part-time employment. Applicants for a second undergraduate degree are not eligible for financial aid.

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of need, but is dependent upon availability of funds. Northwestern Scholarship assistance is generally not available to transfer or returning adult students during their first year at the University. 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.

You must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid Profile. For best consideration, you should apply for financial aid at least one month prior to your application deadline. Only independent or self-supporting students (as defined by the eligibility guidelines for federal aid programs) may file these forms without parental information.

You should also apply for the Pell Grant and the Illinois State Monetary Award (or other state grant) by checking the appropriate boxes on the FAFSA. Admitted students who are receiving financial aid from other sources should arrange for it to be transferred to Northwestern, if appropriate.

> Frequently asked questions

Special Feature

Myths about Financial Aid

Myths about Financial Aid