Application Instructions for School of Continuing Studies Graduate Students
Below you will see an overview of the financial aid application process for SCS Graduate students. Students must be enrolled in at least two courses per term to be eligible for federal student loans. If you drop a course in a term, your federal student loans will most likely be returned to the lender. It is your responsibility to contact the Office of Financial Aid if you change your enrollment.
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:
- Fall 2011: Application due July 15, 2011
- Winter 2012: Application due November 15, 2011
- Spring 2012: Application due February 15, 2012
- Summer 2012: Application due May 1, 2012
Note: Students whose applications are completed after the "first term of enrollment date" will need to use their own resources to pay tuition and reimburse themselves with their financial aid later in the term.
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 by the application deadline above
2011-12 University Aid Application
Returning students may access an online version of this document via their TO DO list in CAESAR. New students may download and complete the 2011-12 University Aid Application here. (PDF)
Verification of employer educational assistance:
- Download Verification of Employer Educational Assistance form (pdf).
- Complete Section I and have your employers complete Section II.
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 e-mails 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.
