Loan Interest
NU Loan Interest
The Northwestern Loan interest rate is variable and set annually on September 1 based on the cost of the not-for-profit program. The cap is per state of Illinois statute.
Recent Rates
| Borrower | 2026-27 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Parent | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| US student | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| International student with US co-maker | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| International student with international co-maker | 7.50% | 7.50% |
Interest Accrual
- In school: Yes. Interest begins to accrue once the loan is disbursed.
- In grace period: Currently at six months.
- In forbearance: Yes
- Capitalization: Yes, at the end of grace and forbearance periods.
Historical Rates
Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional Students' Northwestern Loan Rates
| Year | Student | Int'l Student - GPAL |
|---|---|---|
|
2026-2027 |
7.50% | 7.50% |
| 2024-2025 | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| 2023-2024 | 6.50% | 6.50% |
| 2022-2023 | 4.50% | 4.50% |
| 2021-2022 | 4.50% | 4.50% |
Kellogg Students' Northwestern Loan Rates
| Year | Kellogg Student | Kellogg International Student - Option A | Kellogg International Student - Option B |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025-2026 |
7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| 2024-25 | 7.50% | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| 2023-24 | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% |
| 2022-23 | 4.50% | 4.50% | 4.50% |
| 2021-22 | 4.50% | 4.50% | 4.50% |
Endowed Loan Interest
- Rate type: Refer to your promissory note.
- Recent rates: Refer to your promissory note.
- Accrual:
- In school: Yes. Interest begins to accrue once the loan is disbursed
- In grace period: Yes – Currently at six months
- In forbearance: Yes
- Capitalization: Yes, at the end of the grace and forbearance periods.