Application Instructions for Incoming Accelerated Academic Year Law 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.

Please note that due to the enrollment period in the first year, you will need to submit the FAFSA for TWO (2) aid years: 2011-12 for Summer and 2012-13 for Fall and Spring.

Instructions for First Year Accelerated JD students:

All materials are due to the Office of Financial Aid-Chicago by February 15, 2015.

  1. Complete the 2012-13 Need Access Application
  2. Complete the 2011-12 FAFSA by February 1, 2012
  3. Complete the 2012-13 FAFSA by May 1, 2012
  4. Northwestern will determine your financial aid eligibility and aid package
  5. Accept or decline your award package

1. Complete the 2012-13 Need Access Application

International Students are only required to complete this form

  • RECEIPT DEADLINE: February 15, 2012. We recommend submitting this form by February 1, 2012 to ensure it is received by the February 15 deadline.
    Select "Northwestern University School of Law" for electronic submission.

2. Complete the 2011-12 FAFSA 

  • RECEIPT DEADLINE: February 15, 2012. We recommend submitting this form by February 1, 2012 to ensure it is received by the February 15 deadline.
  • Use Northwestern University's school code 001739 to send FAFSA electronically.
  • If you don't have a personal identification number (PIN), you will need to apply for one online via http://www.pin.ed.gov before completing the FAFSA online.
  • If additional information is needed based on the data reported on your FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid will contact you and list items on your TO DO list in CAESAR.

3. Complete the 2012-13 FAFSA

  • RECEIPT DEADLINE: May 1, 2012. We recommend submitting this form by April 15, 2012 to ensure it is received by the May 1 deadline.
  • Use Northwestern University's school code 001739 to send FAFSA electronically.
  • If you don't have a personal identification number (PIN), you will need to apply for one online via http://www.pin.ed.gov before completing the FAFSA online.
  • If additional information is needed based on the data reported on your FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid will contact you and list items on your TO DO list in CAESAR.

4. Northwestern will determine your financial aid eligibility and financial 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.

5. Accept or Decline your Award Package

Our office will begin sending Preliminary financial aid packages via email beginning March 1, 2012. We will begin to notify students about official financial aid packages beginning March 15, 2012.

Learn more about how to accept or decline your financial aid award.