Our commitment to academic excellence is matched by a longstanding dedication to college access and affordability. Northwestern has one of the largest financial aid programs of any private university in the world, meeting 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated financial need with loan-free aid packages. We aim to make Northwestern affordable for all, creating a community that is as diverse, supportive, and inclusive as possible.
Loan-free
financial aid packages meet 100% of demonstrated need
I’m a first-generation college student coming from a single-parent household with three younger siblings. Northwestern’s financial aid showed me that while I was finally away from home and on my own, my dream school would support me every step of the way.”
I come from a family of four siblings who were all in college almost concurrently. Northwestern gave me an amazing opportunity to study at a world-class university without worrying about crushing debt.”
95%
of students are employed, freelancing, or continuing their education six months after graduation (2016)
61%
of undergraduates receive financial aid
$195mm
financial aid budget (2019-20)
No two families’ finances are exactly alike. Using federal guidelines and University policies and procedures, Northwestern's financial aid staff reviews each family's situation carefully to meet a student's full financial need.
Whether or not you qualify for aid, you might worry about the ability to pay your college bills. Both need-based federal loans and non need-based loans—such as our NU Loan and the low-interest federal PLUS loan—are available through the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid.
Approximately 51 percent of our undergraduates receive a Northwestern University scholarship, which does not need to be repaid. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid for more information.
Your family's financial contribution, called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), is based on information provided on two forms: the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The formula used to calculate the EFC takes into account the following factors: your earnings and savings, parental income, nonretirement assets, taxes paid, family size, number of family members in college, private K-12 school costs, nondiscretionary expenses and any special circumstances.
Families whose EFC is less than the total Cost of Attendance (COA) for one year at Northwestern have what is known as "demonstrated financial need." Northwestern's financial aid package equals the difference between the COA and the EFC.
Northwestern Undergraduate Financial Aid will not make an official offer of assistance until after a student is admitted, but you can view an early estimate by using one of the tools below:
MyinTuition is a Quick Cost Estimator designed for prospective undergraduate domestic students. While MyinTuition is only meant to suggest a ballpark estimate for need-based aid, we hope it will show families that Northwestern is more affordable than many assume.
For a more comprehensive look, you can also use our Net Price Calculator, which estimates the amount of grants, scholarships and aid that may be available so you can find the "net price" of attendance.
This chart shows average aid packages across a range of family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) levels awarded to Northwestern freshmen who enrolled in Fall 2019.
| Family Income (AGI)* | Percent Receiving Aid | Average Aid Package |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$29,999 | 93% | $67,377 |
| $30,000-$59,999 | 99% | $66,104 |
| $60,000-$89,999 | 95% | $58,329 |
| $90,000-$119,999 | 85% | $48,036 |
| $120,000-$149,999 | 87% | $42,262 |
| $150,000 or more | 48% | $28,817 |
*Families in the higher income ranges may have more than one student enrolled in college to qualify for aid.
A financial aid package typically includes a combination of need-based scholarships, grants and part-time work that together meet a student's full financial need.
| 2019-20 Figures | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition for full-time students in degree programs
Full-time registration for all undergraduate degree-seeking students is 3 to 5.5 units of credit in a quarter. Tuition is billed on the first invoice for each quarter. |
$56,232 |
| Room & board The figure is based on the weighted average cost of a double room on campus and the equivalent of a 19-meal board contract. |
$17,019 |
| Fees Fees include: Loan fee, Health fee, Associated Student Government fee, Athletic fee |
$514 |
| Expenses
These figures, based on average costs, include: Books and supplies ($1,605) and personal expenses ($1,850). |
$3,839 |
| Variable figures
Additional costs such as transportation (dependent on the distance of your home to campus) and Loan Origination Fees, will vary from student to student. |
$1,050 (average) |
| Total |
$78,654 |
Payment dates are aligned to Northwestern's quarter system. For parents who prefer to spread quarterly payments over nine months, Northwestern offers a payment plan called 9PAY, which allows parents to pay their bills in nine monthly payments. Learn more about 9Pay Payment Plan on the Student Financial Services website.
| Term | eBill Available | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2019 | August 10 | September 1 |
| Winter 2020 | December 10 | January 1 |
| Spring 2020 | March 10 | April 1 |
| Summer 2020 | May 10 | June 1 |
