First-Generation and/or Lower-Income Applicants
Learn more about our support systems, affordability and access.
How we use "First-Generation" and "Lower-Income" (FGLI).
Recognizing that individuals can identify with the terms "first-generation" and "lower-income" in a variety of ways, a note about how Northwestern defines the phrases:
- First-generation college students represent the first generation in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university.
- Lower-income students are generally those eligible for Pell Grants.
Affordability and accessibility
Fee Waiver
Application fee waivers are available for students who meet at least one of the indicators of financial need listed on the Common Application or the Apply Coalition with Scoir, or identify with any one of the following categories:
- Students receiving free and reduced lunch
- First-generation college students
- Students whose circumstances do not include any of the above, but for whom the application fee nevertheless poses a financial hardship
Learn more by clicking on this link to our Application Fee Waiver page.
Student Enrichment Services (SES)
Student Enrichment Services (SES) connects students to FGLI communities and resources in an effort to help support student success at Northwestern. Some areas that SES programs address are:
- Balancing school, work, home, and social life
- Navigating the University
- Asking for help
- Finding community on campus