Financial Aid Refunds
When the financial aid applied to your account exceeds the amount due on your bill’s Account Balance, you can request a refund of those extra funds after classes begin.
Steps to receiving a refund:
1. Verify that you are eligible for a refund
Use CAESAR to check your account (CAESAR > For Students > Financial Services > View My Account). You must have a credit in your Account Balance (not Anticipated Aid) to be eligible for a refund.
2. Request a refund
Unless you are a graduate student in the Law School, Kellogg or Medill, you must request a refund each term; it is not automatically refunded. Use CAESAR (CAESAR > For Students > Financial Services > Request a Refund) to specify the refund amount (if different from your balance) and select a refund format (mail or direct deposit).
3. If you have not established direct deposit, consider setting it up at this time
The quickest way to receive your refund is to sign up for direct deposit through CAESAR (CAESAR > For Students > Financial Services > Setup Direct Deposit). If you are unable to use CAESAR, you may request a paper Direct Deposit form by contacting the Office of Student Accounts. If you do not have an active direct deposit authorization filed with the Office of Student Accounts, you may choose to have a refund check mailed one of your active addresses.
4. Receive your excess funds
When your refund has been processed, you will receive a generic e-mail notification at your Northwestern e-mail address. The amount remaining in your account is refunded to you either by a check to you or via direct deposit to your financial institution.