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Third Party Billing

Third-Party Billing Eligibility

Northwestern Third-Party Billing is designed for Northwestern students whose employer, sponsor, or other third-party organization is responsible for paying all or a portion of their educational expenses.

Student Finance facilitates the billing and payment process for students whose tuition and/or eligible educational expenses are covered by an approved third-party sponsor or employer.

Policy

All Northwestern schools are eligible, excluding non-credit programs offered through the School of Professional Studies, provided the student's employer agrees to pay the invoice regardless of academic performance. When a qualified third party is paying your tuition and fees, the sponsor must submit a both billing authorization form and authorization letter before the University can issue an invoice.

If Sponsors Are Unwilling or Fail to Pay On Time

If the employers or sponsors are unwilling to pay unless the student receive a passing grade, or fails to make payments on time, In the event that the third party fails to pay, responsibility for paying the invoice and any applicable late payment fees reverts to the student. The third party may or may not reimburse you for these charges.

Because you as a student are responsible for your account at all times, you will receive invoices even while a third party is receiving invoices. 

Procedure

The employer or sponsor agreeing to pay your tuition regardless of the courses taken or the grades received, must provide a written statement of this agreement, which is renewable annually. This agreement must reach Student Finance no later than one month before classes begin.

or fails to make payments on time,

All third-party billing letters must provide the following:

  1. Authorization Letter

    A sponsorship letter on their company letterhead with the appropriate contact person's name, telephone number and address to which invoices should be sent or where any refund/overpayment should be returned.

  2. Coverage Period

    Indicate the start and ending period covered by the authorization, and charges to which it applies (tuition, fees, books, University housing, etc.).

  3. Each Payment Identified

    Include the student's name and Northwestern ID with each payment.

  4. Authorizations

    Email all authorizations to: ThirdPartyBilling@northwestern.edu.