How Aid Works
Understand how our aid is decided and what eligibility looks like.
Northwestern's Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid has moved! Come visit us in our new space at 633 Clark Street during regular business hours.
Northwestern's Aid Commitment
We meet 100% of every student's demonstrated financial need with scholarships and grants. Our goal is to minimize debt and ensure a world-class education remains accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.
100%
demonstrated need met
<$70K
most families making less than $70K per year attend Northwestern at no cost
>55%
of students receive financial aid from Northwestern
Take it Step by Step
From application to graduation, we support you every step of the way:
Need-Based Aid Packages
You’ll have access to a wide range of financial aid resources. In addition to these, you can explore several financing options to help support your educational journey.
Estimate Your Cost and Aid
Use our Quick Cost Estimator or Net Price Calculator tools to see what you can expect to pay.
Scholarships and Grants
You might qualify for federal, state, institutional and outside scholarships that do not need to be repaid.
Work-Study
Earn funds for books and personal expenses while gaining work experience.
Aid for Service Members
Support is available for qualifying students to use toward the cost of their programs.
Resources by Student Type
Find resources that fit your needs.
Whether you're exploring your options as a prospective student, studying at Northwestern as an international student, or looking for support as a current student, we've created dedicated resource pages to help you succeed.
We’re Here to Help
Weighing the costs of college is a highly personal process, so we invite you to reach out and ask us questions.
Office Hours
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Financial aid counselors are available by phone, email and online during regular office hours when the University is open.
Walk-In Availability
Counselors are available for walk-ins from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Families may also schedule a virtual appointment with a counselor.
Important Updates and Deadlines
Stay on top of important announcements, policy changes, and application deadlines.
Recent Announcements
Admitted Students
June 10, 2026
Welcome to Northwestern! If you are a newly admitted student and would like to learn more about financial aid, we encourage you to review our online Financial Aid Orientation and visit our Admitted Student FAQ page.
2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
December 15, 2025
The FAFSA application is available! Complete your materials for the 2026-27 academic year now, and please aim to submit your FAFSA by April 15. Review our deadlines for the upcoming year to ensure you have all your materials submitted on time.
Upcoming Dates
Apply for Aid
- February 1
FAFSA and CSS Profile due for regular decision - February 5
Tax Materials (via IDOC) for regular decision