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Physical Therapy Program

An overview of the financial aid application process for incoming Physical Therapy students.

Note this information applies to domestic students only. View application instructions for international students.

Suggested Receipt Date

All financial aid application materials should be submitted by:

  •  May 1, 2026 if already admitted
  • Within two weeks of admittance if after the May 1 deadline

Importance of meeting deadlines

Meeting the financial aid application deadline listed above ensures that students will receive their financial aid package, can complete all required loan documentation, and have their funds disburse by the first day of classes. 

Note: Applications received after the deadline will be processed in the order in which they were received. Financial aid applications cannot be processed once a term has ended (students may not be eligible to receive funds for the fall term if they apply for funds during the winter term).

Application Steps

  1. Complete the FAFSA
  2. Complete the University Aid Application
  3. Review your financial aid offer via CAESAR

1. Complete the FAFSA

Suggested Receipt Date: Based on dates listed above

  1. Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website using your FSA ID user name and password. If you do not already have an FSA ID, you will need to set one up.
  2. Add our federal school code: (001739-Northwestern University-Evanston). 
  3. Monitor your FAFSA submission status by logging into studentaid.gov. Your FAFSA status will appear under "My Activity" on your dashboard.
    1. After the FAFSA is processed, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).
    2. Resolve any incorrect information via studentaid.gov or by returning the corrected and signed FSS.

2. Complete the University Aid Application

Suggested Receipt Date: Based on dates listed above

  • Admitted students with access to CAESAR will be able to view the electronic University Aid Application on their To Do list in CAESAR by mid-March, 2026.
    • You can find the application by navigating to: CAESAR -> "Tasks" (tile) or CAESAR -> Financial Aid (tile) -> To Do list (from left-hand navigation). 

3. Review your financial aid offer via CAESAR

Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive financial aid notification

  • Once all application requirements are submitted, Northwestern will determine your financial aid eligibility and financial aid offer letter.  Learn more about how aid is determined.
  • The Chicago Office of Financial Aid (CFAO)  releases financial aid decision emails to your Northwestern email address on a rolling basis beginning April 1, 2026 or once we have received the official tuition rates for the upcoming academic year, whichever is later.
  • Upon notification, you must accept or decline the loan assistance offered to you via CAESAR.