Application Instructions for New or Continuing Part-Time MBA Students

Below you will see an overview of the financial aid application process for Part-Time MBA students.

To be considered for all available financial assistance, return all completed application materials by your "first term of enrollment" deadline date listed below.

First term of enrollment:

  • Summer 2011: Application due May 16, 2011 for returning students. Application due June 10th for new students
  • Fall 2011: Application due August 15, 2011
  • Winter 2012: Application due December 5, 2011
  • Spring 2012: Application due March 1, 2012

Note: Meeting the financial aid deadlines listed above will insure that students will receive their financial aid award notice, can complete all required loan documentation and their funds will disburse by the first day of classes. If you are admitted after the deadline you are still eligible to apply for and receive financial aid. If you submit your financial aid application after the deadline we cannot guarantee that your financial aid funds will be disbursed by the first day of class, but will work to get them disbursed as quickly as possible. Applications received after the deadline will be processed in the order they are received. Financial aid applications may not be processed once a quarter has ended (in other words, you may not be eligible to receive funds for Fall Quarter if you apply for those funds during the Winter Quarter).

Click on the steps listed below for more detailed instructions:

  1. Complete the 2011-12 FAFSA
  2. Submit 2 other required documents:
    1. 2011-12 University Aid Application
    2. Verification of Employer Educational Assistance
  3. Northwestern will determine your aid eligibility and financial aid package
  4. Accept or Decline your award package


1. Complete the 2011-12 FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at least two weeks before application deadline above

  • Visit the FAFSA web site and complete the online form.
  • Designate Northwestern as the recipient of the information; our federal school code is 001739.

After the FAFSA is processed (allow two weeks), you will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) summarizing your information. Resolve any incorrect information via the FAFSA web site, or by returning the corrected and signed SAR. If you do not receive your SAR within four weeks, or if you need to request a duplicate, call 800-433-3243.

2. Submit the following two items to our office before the application deadline above

2011-12 University Aid Application

Returning students should complete an online version of this document through their CAESAR TO DO list. If you are access this document via your TO DO list in CAESAR, please contact our office at 312-503-8722.

New students who do not have access to CAESAR may download and complete the 2011-12 University Aid Application (pdf).

Verification of employer educational assistance:

3. Northwestern will determine your financial aid eligibility and aid package

The basic equation for need based financial aid is as follows:

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Demonstrated Institutional Need

All applications will be reviewed in the order they were received.

4. Accept or decline your award package

Our office will begin sending financial award decision letters via NU e-mail on a rolling basis about 4-6 weeks after your file is complete. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of student loans.

Learn more about how to accept or decline your award.