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Affordability on Campus

Support for Current Students

Northwestern’s commitment to college affordability includes supporting students once they’re on campus. From assistance in obtaining books and other supplies (Books for Cats) to $3,000 stipends for those with unpaid summer internships (Summer Internship Grant Program), Northwestern provides additional financial support to those with demonstrated financial need.  

Browse more resources below to learn more about how Northwestern can help you thrive once you’re on campus, or use the following links to navigate to a specific section:

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I have primarily spent my summers doing STEM research. The summer after my freshman year, I worked in Dr. Sui Huang’s cell and developmental biology lab and in the summer after my sophomore year, I did a Summer Undergraduate Research Grant in Dr. Amato’s lab at Northwestern, where I researched the relationship between the gut microbiome, pregnancy, and inflammation in women from Cebu, Philippines.”

Madelyn Moy

Financial Wellness

Preparing for college goes far beyond the admission and financial aid application process. Many students will be managing their finances on their own for the first time, which is an important part of the college experience. Northwestern is committed to educating and empowering current students to make informed decisions about money management.

Financial Wellness

Our Financial Wellness website offers resources that help students manage money during college and prepare for life after graduation. Find more information by clicking on the button below. 

Financial Wellness

Academics and Research

Academic Support

Academic Support and Learning Advancement (ALSA) helps students explore opportunities for peer tutoring, study groups and academic leadership development. More information about academic resources offered by ALSA can be found by clicking on the link below.
Academic Support

Office of Undergraduate Research

The Office of  Undergraduate Research helps students get involved in the research community at Northwestern regardless of prior research experience. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research by clicking the button below to learn more about programming, resources, advising, and funding.
Office of Undergraduate Research

Arch Scholars

Arch Scholars is a group of programs designed to welcome, engage, and support students who attended high schools with little or no AP/IB preparation, those with financial need, or who are among the first in their families to attend college. More information about individual programs and the application process can be found by clicking on on the Arch Scholars button below.
Arch Scholars

Post-Graduation Preparation

Summer Internship Grant Program

The Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) was established to support current Northwestern undergraduate students participating in unpaid internships that demonstrate financial need.  More information on applying to SIGP can be found by clicking on the button below.
Summer Internship Grant Program

Graduate School Preparation

Preparing for graduate and professional school can be challenging and present additional costs. The Graduate School Preparation section of the Financial Wellness website (link below) offers resources for preparing for, and applying to, graduate/professional school.
Graduate School Preparation

Career Development Fund

Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) provides funding to support or supplement the career development needs of undergraduate students with financial need. Areas of support include:

  • Travel expenses to interviews
  • Purchasing of professional attire
  • Test preparation and application costs
To learn more about the ways that NCA supports students, along with more information about internship and career resources, click on the button below.
Career Development Fund

Northwestern Mentorship Program

The Northwestern Network Mentorship Program is an online platform designed to cultivate meaningful mentorship opportunities for the global Northwestern community, with alumni mentors providing valuable support and guidance as mentees navigate their careers. Click on the button below for more information on the Northwestern Mentorship Program.
Northwestern Mentorship Program

Community

Quest+

Quest+ is Northwestern’s only student-run organization that is dedicated to advocating for first-generation and/or lower-income students. Click the link below to visit the Quest+ Facebook page.
Quest+

STARS Initiative

The STARS Initiative is a network of colleges and universities working toward increasing opportunities for secondary school students in rural and small towns. Click the link below to learn more about the initiative, as well as ongoing events and information sessions.

STARS Initiative

Books, Fees, Misc. Expenses

Books for Cats

Financing your books, materials, and supplies, can still be challenging for some students, even with the Northwestern Bookstore matching program and financial aid support.  Click the button below to visit the Books for Cats website for help in paying for your books, materials, and supplies.

Books for Cats

Student Activities Assistance

The Student Activities Assistance Fund is a grant to assist students in registered student organizations with financial support to participate fully in their student organization’s programs and events. Learn more about the Student Activities Assistance Fund by clicking on the link below.
Student Activities Assistance Fund

Winter Gear Program

The Winter Gear program provides items such as coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots for students who would not have access to quality outerwear without the additional funding. Eligibility is based on financial need. To learn more about the application for the Winter Gear program, click on the button below.
Winter Gear Program

Undocumented/DACA Students

DACA Renewal Fees

The Office of Student Enrichment Services (SES) and Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) work together to build awareness, provide support and create avenues for advocacy with and for the undocumented/DACA student community. For more information about connecting with this community and available financial support, please click on the button below
DACA Renewal Fees