Aid Basics & Eligibility
Financial aid overview and eligibility requirements
Northwestern offers aid based on demonstrated financial need. A variety of other financing options are available for those who are not eligible for need-based aid.
In addition, to be eligible for federal and institutional assistance, students must be:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- International students and undocumented students have slightly different application requirements.
- Working toward first bachelor's degree
- Enrolled at least half-time at Northwestern
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
Under normal circumstances, university aid is available for up to 4 years of enrollment, although there is an appeal process described here. Students in a pre-approved five-year program may be eligible for up to 5 years of institutional aid. Federal aid, which is available for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents, may be available for a longer period.
Northwestern will not enter into a financial or consortium agreement with another institution for the purposes of processing financial assistance.