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Aid Package Examples

The examples below illustrate possible options for families from a variety of financial backgrounds. Due to the many factors that go into determining an aid package, your individualized award package may differ from those below, even if you seem to have similar financial circumstances.

The Art of the Possible

A student lives in a single-parent household and has no siblings. Her family income totals $25,000. The family has no savings and does not own a home.

Family circumstance

  • Total cost of attendance $87,804
  • Family Contribution $0
  • Financial need $87,804

Financial aid award

  • Pell Grant $6,895
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant $1,800
  • Northwestern Scholarship $75,509
  • Federal Work-Study $3,600
  • Total aid offered $87,804

Building for the Future

A student is one of two children to be enrolled in college next year. Both parents are employed outside the home. The family’s income is $155,800. They have $150,000 in home equity and $100,000 in savings. The student has $1,000 in savings and investments.

Family circumstance

  • Total cost of attendance $87,804
  • Family Contribution $29,000
  • Financial need $58,804

Financial aid award

  • Northwestern Scholarship $55,204
  • Federal Work-Study $3,600
  • Total aid offered $58,804

Working Together

A student from Washington is the only member of her family in college. She has two younger brothers. Both of her parents are employed and together earn $105,500. They have $400,000 in home equity and another $10,000 in investments and savings.

Family circumstance

  • Total cost of attendance $87,804
  • Family Contribution $23,700
  • Financial need $64,104

Financial aid award

  • Northwestern Scholarship $60,504
  • Federal Work-Study $3,600
  • Total aid offered $64,104

Lending a Hand

A student is one of two siblings and will be the only family member in college this year. Both parents are employed and together earn $495,000. They have $285,000 in home equity, as well as $324,000 in savings and investments. The student has $2,500 in savings. The family contribution exceeds the cost of attendance. In this case, the University can offer various financing options.

Family circumstance

  • Total cost of attendance $87,804
  • Family Contribution $87,804
  • Financial need $0

Financial aid award

  • Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan $5,500
  • PLUS Loan $82,304
  • Total financing available through loan programs $87,804