Half of our undergraduates receive Northwestern grants, while 60 percent receive some form of financial aid. Northwestern grant assistance is generally the final component of an aid package, bridging the gap between what Northwestern has determined your family can afford and the other aid for which you have qualified. Repayment of principal and interest begins as soon as funds are disbursed. You are not required to accept a loan or a job, but each is considered a part of the financial aid required to meet your need. Loans are available through University and government sources.
Student loans are available to all who apply for federal assistance.
Students who do not qualify for need-based federal student loans may be eligible for other federal loans. The Office of Financial Aid offers about 2,300 undergraduates work on campus in the University bookstore, libraries, and department offices or in community service offices. Jobs to cover meal costs are also available. Northwestern participates in the National Merit and National Achievement scholarship programs. To qualify you must be a National Merit finalist, name Northwestern as your first-choice school, and demonstrate financial need.