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Review Your Financial Aid Award

We know that affordability is a key consideration when making your college decision.

Northwestern is committed to supporting students from every financial background. We meet every student's need without requiring families to take out a loan and work to remove cost as a barrier to higher education.

Next Step: Check your financial aid status

If you applied for need-based financial aid, your award will be viewable via your Applicant Status Portal.

Are my application materials complete?

If not, your award may be delayed. You can check the receipt status of your financial aid materials in your Applicant Status Portal.

If any materials are missing, you'll need to submit them as soon as possible. See submission instructions.

Will FAFSA delays impact my financial aid award?

No; we will provide financial aid awards to admitted students using CSS Profile and IDOC tax information. Adjustments will be made only if information differs between the CSS Profile and the FAFSA. 

We plan to keep our May 1 deposit deadline and will work with students individually if an extension becomes necessary.

Understanding Your Award

If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of scholarship or grant assistance, student employment, and optional student loans to help cover costs beyond demonstrated need.

Want to speak with someone in financial aid? You can schedule a phone or virtual appointment with the Office of Undergraduate Aid. The office also provides in-person walk-in hours and can be visited during Wildcat Days. 

Other questions? Visit the Undergraduate Financial Aid’s Admitted Student page or our Financial Aid FAQs. 

Understand the award components:

Cost of Attendance

What does the "cost of attendance" include?

Northwestern's cost of attendance includes direct costs like tuition, housing and meals, plus indirect costs for books, transportation and personal expenses. You will not receive a university bill for indirect expenses, but these out-of-pocket costs are taken into account when determining your eligibility for financial aid.

See the 2024–25 cost of attendance on the Undergraduate Financial Aid website. The cost of attendance for 2025–26 will be added to that page once available.

Additional Considerations

There are some additional factors that may impact your financial aid timeline or steps.

noun-globe-1436011-1.svgI'm an international student 

The financial aid process for international students varies from that of U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals who identify as undocumented/DACA. Financial aid awards were extended only to those international students who were admitted and applied for financial aid at the point of application. For international students who received a financial aid award, please review our explanation for international students and reach out to our International Financial Aid Team if you have any additional questions or concerns.

noun-horizontal-arrows-1227908-1.svgI'm a transfer student

Please note that dates and deadlines differ for transfer students. See applicable dates. 

noun-money-1898679-1.svgI've had a recent change in my financial circumstances

If your family has experienced a change in circumstances that your original aid application does not reflect, you may request an aid review from Undergraduate Financial Aid due to loss of income.