Application Instructions for Admitted SCS Undergraduate Students

Below you will see an overview of the financial aid application process for SCS Undergraduate students admitted to a degree or professional health career program. Only these students are eligible to apply for federal and state financial aid, and these students must be enrolled in at least two courses per term in order to receive federal loan assistance.

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 2009: Application due July 7, 2009
  • Winter 2010: Application due November 14, 2009
  • Spring 2010: Application due February 20, 2010
  • Summer 2010: Application due May 18, 2010

Note: Students whose applications are completed after the "first term of enrollment date" will need to use their own resources to pay the tuition deposit required for registration (60% for SCS students). These students can reimburse themselves with their financial aid later in the term.

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

  • Visit the FAFSA web site and complete the online form.
    • See the FAFSA Tips web page for helpful hints when completing the online form.
  • Designate Northwestern as the recipient of the information; our federal school code is 001739.

Note: Illinois residents must have submitted their FAFSA by August 15 to be considered for an Illinois State Monitory Award Program (MAP) Grant.

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 three items to our office by the application deadline above:

2009-10 University Aid Application

Download and complete the 2009-10 University Aid Application (pdf).

Student income information:

Parental income information

If you are considered Federally Dependent, you must submit the following income information:

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.

Learn more about how to accept or decline your award.