Incoming Traditional JD, JD/MBA and LLM Students
Please note that applying for financial aid is a separate application process from admissions. Information disclosed in the financial aid process has no bearing on the admissions evaluation process or decision. You are encouraged to complete the financial aid application well in advance of the deadline.
The Office of Financial Aid-Chicago receives a large volume of materials from students and their families. It is important that you clearly write your name and student identification (7-digit) number on the top of all materials you submit.
Students who submit their application materials after the deadline will be considered for financial aid but may not qualify for all financial aid programs based on the availability of funds.
All materials are due to the Office of Financial Aid-Chicago by March 1, 2011.
Click on the steps listed below for more detailed instructions:
- Complete the 2011-12 FAFSA by February 15, 2011
- Complete the 2011-12 Need Access Application
- Northwestern will determine your financial aid eligibility and aid package
- Accept or decline your award package
Note: Application instructions are different for International Students.
1. Complete the 2011-12 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Visit the FAFSA web site and complete the online form.
- Designate Northwestern as the recipient of the information; our federal school code is 001739.
- RECEIPT DEADLINE: March 1, 2011. We recommend you submit your FAFSA by February 15, 2011 to ensure it is received by the March 1 deadline.
2. Complete the 2011-12 Need Access Application
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The 2011-12 Need Access Application will be available online at http://www.needaccess.org as of January 2, 2011.
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RECEIPT DEADLINE: March 1, 2011. We recommend you submit your Need Access form by February 15, 2011 to ensure it is received by the March 1 deadline.
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Be sure to select "Northwestern University School of Law".
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International students are only required to complete this form.
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 preliminary award decision e-mails on a rolling basis beginning March 23, 2011. However, we will begin to notify students of their official financial aid award beginning June 8, 2011.
Please note: Students who complete their financial aid application by the deadline stated above will receive their preliminary financial aid award by the deposit deadline. The deposit deadline is April 30, 2011.
