Application Deadlines
Your application deadline will vary depending on admission application group. Please be sure to follow these deadlines to ensure you receive your financial aid award in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or if you need assistance.
Early Decision Deadlines
| Task | Submit as early as | Submit no later than |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* | December | January 1 |
|
Complete the CSS Profile If your biological/adoptive parents are divorced or separated, your custodial and your noncustodial parentwill each need to complete a separate Profile application. |
October 1 | December 1 |
| Submit Tax Materials through IDOC | November 1 | December 5 |
For more information regarding the Early Decision application requirements and deadlines, please visit our Early Decision Application Instructions page.
Regular Decision Deadlines
| Task | Submit as early as | Submit no later than |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* | December | February 1 |
|
Complete the CSS Profile If your biological/adoptive parents are divorced or separated, your custodial and your noncustodial parentwill each need to complete a separate Profile application. |
October 1 | February 1 |
| Submit Tax Materials through IDOC | November 1 | February 5 |
For more information regarding the Regular Decision application requirements and deadlines, please visit our Regular Decision Application Instructions page.
Transfer Student Deadlines
| Task | Submit as early as | Submit no later than |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* | December | March 1 |
|
Complete the CSS Profile If your biological/adoptive parents are divorced or separated, your custodial and your noncustodial parentwill each need to complete a separate Profile application. |
October 1 |
March 1 |
| Submit Tax Materials through IDOC |
March 1 |
March 5 |
*If you wish only to apply for federal aid, you just need to complete and submit the FAFSA.
International Student Deadlines
| Task | Date Due |
|---|---|
|
Complete the CSS Profile If your biological/adoptive parents are divorced or separated, your custodial and your noncustodial parentwill each need to complete a separate Profile application. |
Regular Decision:Feb 1 Early Decision:Dec 1 |
| Submit Tax Materials via secure document upload. All document submissions should include a completed cover sheet. |
Regular Decision:Feb 1 Early Decision:Dec 1 |
International students must understand the requirements when applying for financial aid, please visit our International Student Application Instructions page for more information.
Returning Students
Current Northwestern students applying for financial aid should submit all documents (ex. W-2 forms and special circumstance documentation) directly to the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid rather than utilizing the College Board's IDOC service. For more information regarding the application requirements and deadlines, please visit our First Time & Renewal Application Instructions page.