Tax Information
Tax benefits
There are several tax benefits that assist students and families in the financing of a college education. You may be eligible for one of two federal tax credit programs for tuition and fees. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a tax deduction for student loan interest.
Related Materials
- IRS website: Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center
- Heartland ECSI: www.ecsi.net/taxinfo.html
- Understanding Your 1098-T
- For additional information specific to international students, please review the OISS Form 1098-T webpage
Tax documents
By January 31 of each year, the following two tax statements for the previous year are made available to students:
1098-T Tuition Statement
Note: To assist us in processing your 1098-T statement, please confirm your address and your social security number or taxpayer identification number are correct in CAESAR. Undergraduate students, please confirm your permanent address, and Graduate students, please confirm your current address.
The 1098-T Tuition Statement is provided to each student who paid qualified tuition and related expenses during the previous year. It includes financial information, such as tuition charges, scholarships received, and payments made, which you may need for either education credits or a tuition deduction on your federal tax returns.
If you made no payments during the calendar year, you will not receive a 1098-T (for example, students who received scholarships and grants equal to or greater than the cost of tuition and fees).
Questions about viewing or reprinting your 1098-T?
Northwestern University has partnered with Heartland ECSI to provide the 1098-T statement. To receive your 1098-T electronically, please visit ECSI and provide your e-consent by January 1st. If you choose to opt out of the e-consent process, follow the instructions provided in the opt-out guide.
- For 2017 and earlier
- If you have an active NetID, log in to CAESAR
- If you do not have an active NetID, contact studentaccounts-ev@northwestern.edu or 847-491-5224, and we will provide you with a copy of your prior year form.
Questions about the amounts reported on the 1098-T?
Visit ECSI
Questions about eligibility?
Visit ECSI
Please review the IRS flyer, Why Form 1098-T is Important to You, to become more familiar with the uses of the 1098-T form. Contact your tax preparer or financial adviser with questions concerning your eligibility for tuition tax credits or tax deductions. You may also review the IRS website or call their toll-free number (1-800-829-1040) for additional information.
1098-E Student Loan Interest Statement
Note: To assist us in processing your 1098-E statement, please confirm and update your address and your social security number or taxpayer identification number in ECSI.
The 1098-E Student Loan Interest Statement is made available to each student who paid interest on student loans held by Northwestern University during the previous year.
You may be eligible to take a deduction on your federal income tax return for student loan interest you paid during the year. You do not have to itemize deductions to claim the student loan interest deduction. However, there are limits on how much interest you may deduct as well as limits on qualifying income levels.
Questions about viewing or reprinting your 1098-E?
Visit ECSI
Questions about the amount of interest paid reported on the 1098-E?
Visit ECSI
Questions about eligibility?
Please contact your tax preparer or financial advisor with questions concerning your eligibility for student loan interest deductions on your federal income tax return. You may also review the IRS web site or call their toll-free number (1-800-829-1040) for additional information.