Benefits @ Northwestern

Health care

University employees can select several options from two types of health care plans, including three Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans as well as two Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans. Premiums are paid by payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis, which means that deductions are not subject to Income or Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes.

Dental care

The University offers employees the selection of two dental care plans. This includes one PPO plan administered by Blue Cross and one dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) plan sponsored by First Commonwealth. Premiums are paid on a pre-tax basis, not subject to income or Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes.

Retirement plans (pdf)

University matching contributions are fully and immediately vested and are at least twice the employee's basic contributions. Employee retirement contributions may be allocated to both Fidelity Investments and Teachers Insurance Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF).

Education assistance and tuition plans (pdf)

Whether you are looking to earn a degree or simply take courses for personal enrichment, Northwestern University offers education assistance plans to full-time employees taking classes at the University which pays up to 85% of Northwestern's tuition. The University provides tuition benefits to an employee's spouse, recognized same gender domestic partners, and eligible dependent children taking classes at the University. It also provides tuition benefits for dependent children taking undergraduate classes at schools other than Northwestern University.

Flexible work arrangements (pdf)

Employees may be able to establish a flexible work arrangement depending on job responsibilities and department needs. These arrangements might include flexible schedules, job sharing, and telecommuting. Employees also receive sick days to care for family members and generous paid time-off benefits.

Dependent-care financial assistance

Based on financial need, Northwestern University offers financial assistance for child care through its dependent-care flexible spending account match program.

Life insurance plan

The University offers employees a variety of life insurance plans. The Basic Term Life plan provides both term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. The Supplemental Term Life plan provides the opportunity for individuals to purchase term life insurance protection above the amount of Basic Term Life. A third plan is the Spouse and Dependent Term Life plan, which provides the opportunity for employees to purchase term life insurance protection for his or her spouse and children.

Transportation (pdf)

Northwestern University is conveniently located near several Metra and the CTA public transportation routes. Eligible employees can save on the cost of CTA Transit Cards through pre-tax deductions. Free shuttle service runs within Evanston and between the Evanston and Chicago campuses.