Application Fee Waiver
Making college accessible.
Request a fee waiver.
Northwestern is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive campus community of students from every financial background.
That’s why we want to make sure our $75 application fee does not pose a barrier for any student who wishes to apply. If paying the application fee would cause a hardship for you and your family, please request a fee waiver. Requesting a fee waiver will NOT disadvantage your application in any way.
Read on to learn A) whether you might qualify for a fee waiver, and B) if you do qualify, how to apply using a fee waiver.
Who qualifies for a 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 (neither parent/guardian graduated from a 4-year college or university)
- Students affiliated with a U.S. or international Community Based Organization.
- Students who have been offered a fee waiver based on participation in certain Northwestern partner organizations or programs
- Students who reside in Chicago or Evanston
- Students who are eligible for an Armed Forces or Veteran Fee Waiver
- Students whose circumstances do not include any of the above, but for whom the application fee nevertheless poses a financial hardship
Ways to Apply Using a Fee Waiver
Additional Questions
Once again, if you are considering Northwestern for college, do not let our application fee prevent you from applying. For that matter, do not let the cost of Northwestern deter you, either—we meet 100% of every student’s demonstrated need through one of the nation’s largest financial aid programs. You can read more about our financial aid here.
And if you have additional questions about the fee waiver process, please feel free to contact us.