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The Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid is here to help you apply for financial aid, whether you are a prospective student, a newly admitted student, or a continuing student.

Application Process Overview

Use these general steps as a starting guide before choosing your student group below for specific deadlines and required forms:

  1. Indicate your status when applying for admission.

    When completing the application for admission, be sure to indicate that you are requesting consideration for financial aid.

  2. Complete and submit your FAFSA (Domestic students only).

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the official application for federal and many state financial aid programs. Northwestern's School Code is 001739.

  3. Submit your CSS Profile through The College Board website.

    The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is completed and submitted online through The College Board website. Northwestern's CSS Profile code is 1565.

  4. Complete and submit federal tax forms.

    You will receive information from the College Board's Institutional Documentation Service with instructions for submitting your tax forms and required supplemental forms.

  5. Receive for award notification and respond.

    Your financial aid award notification will be sent with or soon after your acceptance letter. If you qualify for loans, you will be notified and emailed instructions on how to complete any additional loan materials online.

Detailed Timelines

Select Your Application Group

Please be sure to follow deadlines to ensure you receive your financial aid award in a timely manner.

Choose your admission application group to view specific deadlines, required forms, and step-by-step instructions.

Contact us with any questions or if you need assistance.

First Year and Transfer Domestic StudentsFirst Year Undocumented & InternationalNewly Admitted and Incoming StudentsCurrent and Returning Students

Application Fee Waiver

Our application fee should not pose a barrier for any student who wishes to apply.

40% of applicants qualify for application fee waivers. If paying the application fee would cause a hardship for you and your family, we encourage you to request a waiver.

More Aid Topics and Resources