How to Get a Scholarship at Northwestern University in 2025

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Attending a top-tier institution like Northwestern University is a dream for many students, but the cost can be intimidating. Fortunately, Northwestern offers a wide range of scholarships, financial aid packages, and grant opportunities to help ease the financial burden. Whether you’re a domestic student, an international applicant, or a transfer student, Northwestern provides various funding options to support your academic journey.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore Northwestern University scholarships, how to apply, eligibility requirements, deadlines, merit-based awards, need-based aid, and opportunities for international students.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance at Northwestern

Before diving into the scholarships, it’s important to understand the total cost of attending Northwestern University.

As of the 2024–2025 academic year, the estimated annual cost is:

  • Tuition: $65,997

  • Room & Board: $19,440

  • Fees: $5,600

  • Books, supplies, and personal expenses: $3,300

  • Total (estimated): ~$94,000/year

Given this figure, the availability of scholarships and financial aid can significantly impact a student’s ability to attend.

Does Northwestern University Offer Scholarships?

Yes. Northwestern University offers a range of scholarships, primarily based on need-based aid, but also merit-based scholarships in certain departments and schools. In fact, Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students — both domestic and international.

Let’s explore the categories.

1. Northwestern University Need-Based Financial Aid

Northwestern is committed to making education accessible through its need-based financial aid model. The university does not offer loans in its financial aid packages for undergraduates — aid is provided through grants and work-study, which do not require repayment.

Key Facts:

  • Available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students.

  • Based on family income, assets, and household size.

  • You must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile.

  • No separate application for Northwestern scholarships — your financial aid application doubles as your scholarship application.

What is Covered?

  • Tuition

  • Room and board

  • Fees

  • Books and other expenses

Over 60% of Northwestern undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.

2. Northwestern University Merit-Based Scholarships

Although Northwestern focuses on need-based aid, it does offer limited merit-based scholarships — primarily through specific schools or departments. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on outstanding academic performance, leadership, and exceptional talent.

Examples of Merit Scholarships:

▸ The Goodnight Scholarship (McCormick School of Engineering)

  • Targeted at students in engineering and STEM fields.

  • Awarded to applicants showing exceptional academic merit and potential for innovation.

▸ The Founders Scholarship

  • One of the few university-wide merit awards.

  • Students are considered during the admissions process — no separate application is required.

  • Covers partial tuition and is renewable for four years.

▸ National Merit Scholarships

  • Students named National Merit Finalists who list Northwestern as their first choice may receive a scholarship from the university or through National Merit Corporation.

▸ School-Specific Awards

  • Bienen School of Music may offer performance-based merit scholarships.

  • Medill School of Journalism may offer awards for students with exceptional media portfolios or academic excellence.

3. Northwestern Scholarships for International Students

Yes, international students are eligible for both need-based and select merit scholarships at Northwestern.

Key Points:

  • International students are evaluated for need-based aid at the time of admission.

  • You must submit the CSS Profile to be considered.

  • Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for international applicants it admits.

Additional Resources:

  • Some schools (e.g., Kellogg, McCormick) may offer special awards to international students.

  • Outside scholarships (from international organizations) may also be used.

4. Transfer Student Scholarships

While scholarship opportunities for transfer students are limited, Northwestern still provides need-based aid.

Guidelines:

  • You must submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA upon applying for transfer admission.

  • Transfer students are eligible for Northwestern Grant if they meet need criteria.

  • Limited school-specific merit-based awards may be considered, but these are rare.

5. Athletic Scholarships at Northwestern

Northwestern University is part of the Big Ten Conference and offers NCAA Division I athletic programs. Scholarships are available to student-athletes based on athletic talent and academic performance.

Sports Offering Scholarships:

  • Football

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

  • Swimming & Diving

  • Track and Field

  • Volleyball and more

Athletic scholarships are offered by the coaches and governed by NCAA rules. If you are a student-athlete, you’ll need to go through the recruitment process and communicate directly with the Northwestern coaching staff.

6. Outside Scholarships Accepted by Northwestern

Northwestern encourages students to apply for external scholarships to supplement university-provided aid.

Examples:

  • Coca-Cola Scholars

  • Gates Millennium Scholars

  • Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

  • UNCF Scholarships

  • Private community scholarships, rotary clubs, or local foundations

All outside scholarships must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid and may affect your institutional aid (in compliance with need calculations), but they can reduce your work-study or expected family contribution.

7. Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships

For graduate students, financial aid is handled at the departmental or program level.

Common Forms of Graduate Aid:

  • Research Assistantships (RAs)

  • Teaching Assistantships (TAs)

  • Fellowships

  • Scholarships from external funders (e.g., Fulbright, Ford Foundation)

Graduate schools such as the Kellogg School of Management, Pritzker School of Law, and Feinberg School of Medicine each offer program-specific awards, and many have fellowships for diversity, research excellence, and leadership potential.

How to Apply for Northwestern Scholarships and Aid

Here’s a quick overview of what’s required for each type of applicant.

For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents:

  1. Submit FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov

  2. Submit CSS Profile: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org

  3. Submit Northwestern’s own financial aid forms (if requested)

For International Students:

  1. Submit CSS Profile

  2. No FAFSA required

  3. Additional documentation may be requested by Northwestern

Deadlines:

  • Early Decision: November 1

  • Regular Decision: January 2

  • FAFSA/CSS Profile: Typically due by the same dates

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Receiving Aid

  1. Apply Early: Financial aid is reviewed on a rolling basis. Don’t delay.

  2. Be Honest & Accurate: Any inconsistencies in your FAFSA or CSS Profile can lead to delays or disqualification.

  3. Seek External Scholarships Early: Start searching in your junior year of high school.

  4. Demonstrate Interest in Northwestern: Your application essays, interviews, and recommendations should reflect a genuine passion for attending Northwestern.

  5. Maintain a Strong Academic Record: Merit-based awards still consider grades, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.

Northwestern Financial Aid Statistics (2024–2025)

  • Over 60% of undergraduates receive financial aid.

  • The average financial aid award is $56,000+.

  • Northwestern eliminated loans from aid packages in 2016.

  • Over $200 million awarded in need-based grants annually.

  • International students: Nearly 50% of admitted international students receive need-based aid.

Final Thoughts: Is Northwestern Affordable?

Absolutely — if you get in, Northwestern will work to make it financially possible for you to attend. The university’s commitment to meeting full demonstrated need sets it apart from many elite institutions.

Whether you’re an honors student, an athlete, an international applicant, or someone with financial need, Northwestern University scholarships and aid opportunities can open the door to a world-class education.

FAQs About Northwestern University Scholarships

1. Does Northwestern University offer full scholarships?

Yes — if your financial need is high, Northwestern may cover 100% of tuition and costs through grants (not loans).

2. Can international students get scholarships at Northwestern?

Yes. International students are considered for need-based financial aid, and Northwestern meets full demonstrated need for those admitted.

3. Are there scholarships for specific majors?

Yes. Schools like McCormick (Engineering), Bienen (Music), and Medill (Journalism) may offer school-specific awards.

4. What GPA is needed for scholarships at Northwestern?

While there’s no hard GPA cutoff, most merit-based awards go to students with GPA above 3.8, strong test scores, and demonstrated leadership or talent.

5. Can I apply for scholarships after being admitted?

Northwestern’s main scholarships are awarded during the admissions process, especially need-based aid. However, you can apply for external scholarships year-round.

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