Undergraduate Financial Aid
Undergraduate Financial Aid offers a number of resources and information that will help you understand your financial aid package. The office also is made up of a number of committed staff who are here to help you. To get started, be sure to check out these questions and answers below.
The Office of Financial Aid has entire page dedicated to financial aid basics. Be sure to also check out the Financial Aid Glossary.
The Financial Aid Billing Worksheet is interactive and allows you to plug in your award letter details to estimate your quarterly invoice.
Review this this page on aid package basics to gain a better understanding of how your family circumstances impact your financial aid package.
There are a number of differences between the two, but at a minimum, subsidized loans defer accruing interest until after graduation but unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest while the student is in school. For more details, visit our website on different types of loans.
If a family has new or additional information regarding their financial circumstances, it must be submitted in writing to the Financial Aid Committee using the Financial Aid Appeal Application with the required supporting documentation outlined on the application. Full details about the Financial Aid application process can be found here.
Northwestern’s financial aid program is based upon financial need so students must reapply for assistance each year. However, Northwestern is committed to meeting demonstrated need each year, and in all likelihood a student’s financial aid will increase over the course of the four years.
You will need to submit application materials to the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid every year by May 1. You can track your application status on your CAESAR To Do List. Visit the Undergraduate Financial Aid Website for additional application instructions.
Each student’s financial aid package is based upon her/his own circumstances. By using the estimated billing worksheet, you will be able to see what costs your financial aid will cover.
Financial aid is based upon the weighted average of a double room on campus and a full meal plan. If you choose to live in a single, it will be up to you to handle the additional costs.
No, many students choose the fourteen meal plan which allows their financial aid to help with other costs. Aid is not adjusted if you choose a lower cost meal plan or are in a lower cost room; neither is it adjusted upwards.
Every two years the aid office conducts surveys of 800 students (200 from each class) to see what students are paying for rent and other expenses. In addition, we survey landlords. For the next two years we will use the same room and board budget for living on and off campus since the costs are similar. Students living at home with their parents have a lower room and board allowance. There are many factors to consider when thinking about living off campus, visit our Off Campus site for more information.
Yes, there is a payment plan called 9PAY which allows your family to make 9 monthly payments rather than 3 quarterly payments. Visit the Student Financial Services website for additional information and application instructions.
Yes, keep in mind that you must be enrolled in at least 2 NU credit to be eligible for any financial aid. Review enrollment requirements for financial aid.
CAESAR > Main Menu > Student Financial Services > Accept/Decline Financial Aid
If you have already accepted/declined your aid but wish to change your decision, call the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid at 847-491-7400 or email us at undergradaid@u.northwestern.edu.
There is a great deal of information available at the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid website.
