How does financial aid work at Northwestern University?

Posted on Jan 16, 2026 / Travel

How does financial aid work at Northwestern University?

Northwestern awards financial aid mainly based on financial need, and students must reapply every year to stay eligible. They mix aid from the school with federal and state support options if you qualify, and you can also accept or decline optional federal loans if you don’t want them. You have to be enrolled at least half-time to get most types of aid, so full-time attendance helps keep funding steady. If you missed the priority deadlines, it’s usually still not too late — they review aid applications on a rolling basis. Changes in your family’s income or other life events sometimes let you ask for a special financial aid review. You can also take advantage of budgeting tools and financial wellness resources offered through the aid office. Basically, the school wants you to know how to understand, manage, and plan your finances while studying.



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