International Law Students
Applying for financial aid, including scholarship/fellowship funding, is separate from the admissions process. The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid determines scholarship/fellowship awards, while the Chicago Office of Financial Aid packages loan funding.
The information on this page goes over how students will apply for institutional scholarship/fellowship funding as well as private student loan funding. Please note that students who are interested in obtaining a private student loan must typically have a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner on the loan.
Student financial aid applications are due by the dates listed below (or, if admitted after these dates, within seven days of admission).
Jump to your program:
jd (including early decision, transfer, and 2-year) ELLM in Chicago LLM and Tax-LLMLLM IHRfull-time residential MSLPart-time residential and online MSL
All JD
NOTE: Early Decision, transfer JD, and 2-Year JD students should contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid to request a PDF copy of our short-form University Aid Application in place of the more in-depth Law Entering University Aid Application. Be sure to note to our office that you are an Early Decision, transfer JD, or 2-Year JD student.
1. Complete the Law Entering University Application
Due Date: March 1, 2023
The Law Entering University Aid Application will be available online in mid-to-late fall. The application can take up to 45 minutes to complete.
The application must be completed in a single session as you will not be able to save and return to the application after starting it.- Complete the parent section(s) if you are classified as NU Dependent and wish to be considered for institutional scholarship funding.
- If your parents are currently separated or were divorced after September 1, 2019, submit financial information for both parents; if they were divorced before that date, submit information for your custodial parent only. If your custodial parent has remarried, submit your stepparent's information as well.
- All JD applicants who will not be 26 years old or older as of September 1, 2023 will be considered NU Dependent for the purpose of institutional scholarship eligibility and will be required to submit parental information in the University Aid Application.
- To complete the application, you will need:
- A copy of your (the student) 2021 federal or foreign tax return
- A copy of your parent(s) 2021 federal or foreign tax return, if you are considered NU Dependent
- Information about your assets and your parent(s) assets, including investments, businesses, homes, trusts, and vehicles
The Law Entering University Aid Application is used to assist in determining eligibility for institutional scholarships. If you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding, but do wish to apply only for private student loans, then you only need to complete the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's short-form University Aid Application. The short-form University Aid Application is different from the more in-depth Law Entering University Aid Application noted above. In this case, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid to request that our short-form University Aid Application be emailed to you.
2.Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your aid eligibility notice email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases scholarship notifications throughout the spring, starting in March. Preliminary financial aid packages are released by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid before the relevant tuition deposit deadline, provided that students have applied for financial aid by the application deadline.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email over the summer, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline the loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
4. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
JD-MBA
1. Complete the Law Entering University Aid Application
Deadlines:
- Round 1 admits: November 11, 2022
- Round 2 admits: March 3, 2023
- Round 3 admits: April 21, 2023
The University Aid Application can be completed online here. Northwestern Law considers all JD-MBA applicants independent so parental information is not required. However, if you are married, spousal information must be submitted on the Law Entering University Aid Application.
The Law Entering University Aid Application is used to assist in determining eligibility for institutional scholarships. If you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding, but do wish to apply only for private student loans, then you only need to complete the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's short-form University Aid Application. The short-form University Aid Application is different from the more in-depth Law Entering University Aid Application noted above. In this case, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid to request that our short-form University Aid Application be emailed to you.
2.Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your official financial aid eligibility notification email in the early summer.
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
Scholarship award notices are typically sent out via email by the Admissions Office at the time of admission, provided that students met the above stated financial aid application deadline. Preliminary financial aid packages are released by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid before the relevant tuition deposit deadline. Once the preliminary package is released, no additional steps are needed with regards to financial aid until you receive your official financial aid package notification email from the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
Official packages are sent via email during the summer before classes begin, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Once you receive notification that your official package is ready to review in CAESAR, you must accept or decline your financial aid award. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
ELLM in Chicago
1. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: April 1, 2023
Students may access the electronic 2023-24 University Aid Application via their "To Do" list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2023. Your Task can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
2.Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
All students admitted to the ELLM in Chicago program will be considered for fellowships on the basis of academic merit. No separate financial aid application is required to be considered for a fellowship. The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases fellowship notifications throughout the spring.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email on a rolling basis by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid beginning in mid-April, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive the official notification, you must accept or decline any loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
LLM and Tax-LLM
1. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Students may access the electronic 2023-24 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2023. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
2. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
All students admitted to the LLM and LLM in Taxation programs will be considered for fellowships on the basis of academic merit. No separate financial aid application is required to be considered for a scholarship. The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases fellowship notifications throughout the spring.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email on a rolling basis by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid beginning in early summer, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline any loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
LLM IHR
The institutional fellowship application process for LLM IHR applicants (step 1 below) is separate from the private student loan application process (step 2 below). Bear in mind that the due dates for the Admission Office's fellowship application may be different than the due date of the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's University Aid Application.
1. Complete the Fellowship Application through the Admissions Office
Deadline: January 31, 2023
The Fellowship Application is available on the Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid's Admitted Student website. This site is linked in your decision letter under "Financial Aid". If you have any questions about completing the Fellowship Application, please contact the Admissions Office.
2. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Students may access the electronic 2023-24 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2023. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
3. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases fellowship notifications throughout the spring.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email on a rolling basis by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid beginning in early summer, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Your financial aid package may also include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline any loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
4. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
Full-Time Residential MSL
The institutional fellowship application process for full-time residential MSL applicants (step 1 below) is separate from the private student loan application process (step 2 below). Bear in mind that the due dates for the Admission Office's scholarship application may be different than the due date of the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's University Aid Application.
1. Complete the Scholarship Application through the Admissions Office
Deadline: Indicated in your financial aid email from Admissions
The Scholarship Application is available on the Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid's Admitted Student website. This site is linked in your decision letter under "Financial Aid". If you have any questions about completing the Fellowship Application, please contact the Admissions Office.
2. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: July 1, 2023
Students may access the electronic 2023-24 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2023, or within 2 business days of when you were admitted. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
3. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases scholarship notifications throughout the spring.
The Chicago Office of Financial Aid reviews all financial aid applications in the order in which they are received. Official packages are sent out via email on a rolling basis beginning in early summer or within 4-6 weeks of when you applied, whichever is later. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline your financial aid award. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
4. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private loan on your award notice, you must complete the application for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your Award Notification email.
Part-Time Residential and Online MSL
Part-time residential and online MSL students are not eligible for institutional scholarship funding.
1. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadlines:
- Residential MSL students and Online MSL students starting in Fall 2023: July 1, 2023 (or, if admitted after this date, within two weeks of admission)
- Online MSL students starting in Spring 2024: November 1, 2023 (or, if admitted after this date, within two weeks of admission)
Students may access the electronic 2023-24 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2023, or typically within two business days of being admitted. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation.
If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list by March 15, 2023 or within two business days of when you received your CAESAR log-in information from Admissions, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.2. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your award notice email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Chicago Office of Financial Aid reviews all financial aid applications in the order in which they are received. Official packages are sent out via email on a rolling basis beginning in early summer or within 4-6 weeks of when you applied, whichever is later. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline your financial aid award. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private international loan on your award notice, you must complete the application for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that international students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your Award Notification email.
Student financial aid applications are due by the dates listed below (or, if admitted after these dates, within seven days of admission).
jd (including early decision, transfer, and 2-year) ELLM in Chicago LLM and Tax-LLMLLM IHRfull-time residential MSLPart-time residential and online MSL
All JD
NOTE: Early Decision, transfer JD, and 2-Year JD students should contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid to request a PDF copy of our short-form University Aid Application in place of the more in-depth Law Entering University Aid Application. Be sure to note to our office that you are an Early Decision, transfer JD, or 2-Year JD student.
1. Complete the Law Entering University Application
Due Date: March 1, 2022
- For students admitted after July 1, 2022, the long-form university aid application is no longer required. Students can complete the short-form university aid application via their task list in CAESAR.
- The Law Entering University Aid Application is available online. The application can take up to 45 minutes to complete. The application must be completed in a single session as you will not be able to save and return to the application after starting it.
- Complete the parent section(s) if you are classified as NU Dependent and wish to be considered for institutional scholarship funding.
- If your parents are currently separated or were divorced after September 1, 2018, submit financial information for both parents; if they were divorced before that date, submit information for your custodial parent only. If your custodial parent has remarried, submit your stepparent's information as well.
- All JD applicants who will not be 26 years old or older as of September 1, 2022 will be considered NU Dependent for the purpose of institutional scholarship eligibility and will be required to submit parental information in the University Aid Application.
- To complete the application, you will need:
- A copy of your (the student) 2020 federal or foreign tax return
- A copy of your parent(s) 2020 federal or foreign tax return, if you are considered NU Dependent
- Information about your assets and your parent(s) assets, including investments, businesses, homes, trusts, and vehicles
The Law Entering University Aid Application is used to assist in determining eligibility for institutional scholarships. If you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding, but do wish to apply only for private student loans, then you only need to complete the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's short-form University Aid Application. The short-form University Aid Application is different from the more in-depth Law Entering University Aid Application noted above. In this case, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid to request that our short-form University Aid Application be emailed to you.
2.Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your aid eligibility notice email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases scholarship notifications throughout the spring, starting in March. Preliminary financial aid packages are released by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid before the relevant tuition deposit deadline, provided that students have applied for financial aid by the application deadline.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email over the summer, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline the loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
4. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
JD-MBA
1. Complete the Law Entering University Aid Application
Deadlines:
- Round 1 admits: November 11, 2021
- Round 2 admits: March 4, 2022
- Round 3 admits: April 22, 2022
The University Aid Application can be completed online. Northwestern Law considers all JD-MBA applicants independent so parental information is not required. However, if you are married, spousal information must be submitted on the Law Entering University Aid Application.
The Law Entering University Aid Application is used to assist in determining eligibility for institutional scholarships. If you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding, but do wish to apply only for private student loans, then you only need to complete the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's short-form University Aid Application. The short-form University Aid Application is different from the more in-depth Law Entering University Aid Application noted above. In this case, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid to request that our short-form University Aid Application be emailed to you.
2.Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
Scholarship award notices are typically sent out via email by the Admissions Office at the time of admission, provided that students met the above stated financial aid application deadline. Preliminary financial aid packages are released by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid before the relevant tuition deposit deadline. Once the preliminary package is released, no additional steps are needed with regards to financial aid until you receive your official financial aid package notification email from the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
Official packages are sent via email during the summer before classes begin, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Once you receive notification that your official package is ready to review in CAESAR, you must accept or decline your financial aid award. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
ELLM in Chicago
1. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: April 1, 2022
Students may access the electronic 2022-23 University Aid Application via their "To Do" list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2022. Your Task can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
2.Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
All students admitted to the ELLM in Chicago program will be considered for fellowships on the basis of academic merit. No separate financial aid application is required to be considered for a fellowship. The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases fellowship notifications throughout the spring.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email on a rolling basis by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid beginning in mid-April, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive the official notification, you must accept or decline any loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
LLM and Tax-LLM
1. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: May 1, 2022
Students may access the electronic 2022-23 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2022. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
2. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
All students admitted to the LLM and LLM in Taxation programs will be considered for fellowships on the basis of academic merit. No separate financial aid application is required to be considered for a scholarship. The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases fellowship notifications throughout the spring.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email on a rolling basis by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid beginning in early summer, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline any loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
LLM IHR
The institutional fellowship application process for LLM IHR applicants (step 1 below) is separate from the private student loan application process (step 2 below). Bear in mind that the due dates for the Admission Office's fellowship application may be different than the due date of the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's University Aid Application.
1. Complete the Fellowship Application through the Admissions Office
Deadline: January 31, 2022
The Fellowship Application is available on the Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid's Admitted Student website. This site is linked in your decision letter under "Financial Aid". If you have any questions about completing the Fellowship Application, please contact the Admissions Office.
2. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: May 1, 2022
Students may access the electronic 2022-23 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2022. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
3. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases fellowship notifications throughout the spring.
Official financial aid packages are sent via email on a rolling basis by the Chicago Office of Financial Aid beginning in early summer, but only if a student submits a tuition deposit. Your financial aid package may also include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline any loan assistance offered to you. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
4. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private student loan as part of your financial aid eligibility, you must complete the application and be approved for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your financial aid eligibility notification email.
Full-Time Residential MSL
The institutional fellowship application process for full-time residential MSL applicants (step 1 below) is separate from the private student loan application process (step 2 below). Bear in mind that the due dates for the Admission Office's scholarship application may be different than the due date of the Chicago Office of Financial Aid's University Aid Application.
1. Complete the Scholarship Application through the Admissions Office
Deadline: Indicated in your financial aid email from Admissions
The Scholarship Application is available on the Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid's Admitted Student website. This site is linked in your decision letter under "Financial Aid". If you have any questions about completing the Fellowship Application, please contact the Admissions Office.
2. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadline: July 1, 2022
Students may access the electronic 2022-23 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2022, or within 2 business days of when you were admitted. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation. If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.
3. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your financial aid eligibility notification email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid releases scholarship notifications throughout the spring.
The Chicago Office of Financial Aid reviews all financial aid applications in the order in which they are received. Official packages are sent out via email on a rolling basis beginning in early summer or within 4-6 weeks of when you applied, whichever is later. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline your financial aid award. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
4. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private loan on your award notice, you must complete the application for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your Award Notification email.
Part-Time Residential and Online MSL
Part-time residential and online MSL students are not eligible for institutional scholarship funding.
1. Submit the University Aid Application via CAESAR
Deadlines:
- Residential MSL students and Online MSL students starting in Fall 2022: July 1, 2022 (or, if admitted after this date, within two weeks of admission)
- Online MSL students starting in Spring 2023: November 2, 2022 (or, if admitted after this date, within two weeks of admission)
Students may access the electronic 2022-23 University Aid Application via their To-Do list in CAESAR on or after March 15, 2022, or typically within two business days of being admitted. Your "To-Do List" can be reviewed in CAESAR through either the "Tasks" tile on the homepage, or by clicking on the "Financial Aid" tile from the homepage and then selecting "To-Do List" from the left-hand navigation.
If you are unable to access this document via your To-Do list by March 15, 2022 or within two business days of when you received your CAESAR log-in information from Admissions, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid.2. Review financial aid package and accept or decline loan assistance offered to you.
Deadline: As soon as possible after you receive your award notice email
After you submit all application materials, Northwestern will determine your aid package. Learn more about how aid is determined.
The Chicago Office of Financial Aid reviews all financial aid applications in the order in which they are received. Official packages are sent out via email on a rolling basis beginning in early summer or within 4-6 weeks of when you applied, whichever is later. If you have demonstrated institutional financial need, your financial aid package may include a combination of private student loans.
Once you receive notification, you must accept or decline your financial aid award. Learn more about the steps to accept or decline.
3. Apply for a private loan via your lender's website
If you have been offered a private international loan on your award notice, you must complete the application for the loan program of your choice through the lender's website. This online application must be completed each academic year in order to receive funds for this loan. Be advised that international students interested in obtaining a private student loan may need a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner. Additional information about this process will be included on your Award Notification email.