Northwestern University Scholarships

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, is one of the leading private research universities in the United States. Renowned for its academic rigor, innovative research, and interdisciplinary approach to education, Northwestern attracts talented students from across the globe. However, with annual tuition and living costs exceeding $80,000, financing a Northwestern education can be challenging.

To ensure that financial limitations do not hinder access to world-class education, Northwestern provides need-based aid, merit scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for undergraduate and graduate students. These funding opportunities reward academic excellence, leadership, and research potential while ensuring inclusivity.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to Northwestern University Scholarships, including their features, benefits, and application process.

Northwestern University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate scholarships at Northwestern primarily focus on financial need but also recognize academic achievement and leadership potential.

1. Northwestern Need-Based Financial Aid

Eligibility

• Open to both U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
• Must demonstrate financial need through required financial aid documents.
• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (minimum GPA set by the university).
• U.S. students complete the FAFSA + CSS Profile; international students submit the CSS Profile only.

Benefits

• Northwestern guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.
• Packages include grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities, but no loans—reducing student debt.
• Renewable every year as long as the student continues to show financial need.
• Offers peace of mind for families concerned about affordability.

Coverage

• Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.

Features

• No loans required in aid packages, making education more affordable.

2. Northwestern Merit-Based Scholarships

Although Northwestern is more need-focused, it offers selective merit-based scholarships for outstanding students.

Types of Merit Scholarships

• Good Neighbor, Great University Scholarship – For students from Chicago Public Schools or Evanston Township High School; covers full tuition.
• Founders Scholarship – Awarded based on academic achievement and leadership; renewable each year.
• National Merit Scholarships – For finalists who designate Northwestern as their first-choice institution.
• Special Departmental Awards – Certain schools within Northwestern provide additional merit-based support.

Eligibility

• Highly selective; awarded to students with exceptional academic records, leadership qualities, or unique talents.
• Considered automatically during admissions—no separate application required.
• Some scholarships may be limited to local students (e.g., Chicago/Evanston high schools).

Benefits

• Good Neighbor, Great University Scholarship: Full tuition for four years for Chicago Public Schools and Evanston Township High School graduates.
• Founders Scholarship: Partial tuition, renewable annually, awarded for academic excellence and community involvement.
• National Merit Scholarships: For National Merit Finalists who list Northwestern as their first choice.
• Departmental Awards: Specialized benefits such as music scholarships (tuition waivers, travel grants for performances, access to state-of-the-art equipment).

3. Northwestern International Student Aid

Eligibility

• Limited funding pool, so highly competitive.
• Students must demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
• CSS Profile submission is required during the application.
• Strong recommendation letters, essays, and proof of leadership/initiative can improve chances.

Benefits

• Partial to full tuition funding depending on need.
• Creates opportunities for top students from across the globe to study in the U.S.
• May also include work-study programs to cover living expenses.

Coverage

• Primarily need-based scholarships.

Northwestern University Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate and professional students at Northwestern benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships across disciplines.

1. Northwestern Graduate Fellowships

Coverage

• Full or partial tuition, living stipends, and research funding.

Types of Fellowships:

• University Fellowships – For outstanding doctoral candidates.
• Diversity Fellowships – For underrepresented students in graduate programs.
• Departmental Fellowships – Offered by specific schools, such as Engineering, Communication, and Education.

Eligibility

• Open to master’s and doctoral students with outstanding academic potential.
• Selection considers GPA, research achievements, and leadership qualities.
• Some fellowships are designed for students from underrepresented groups or specific disciplines.

Benefits

• Covers full tuition, health insurance, and generous living stipends.
• Provides direct access to faculty mentorship and advanced research resources.
• Recognizes academic excellence and positions recipients as future leaders in their fields.

2. Northwestern Research and Teaching Assistantships

Eligibility

• Available mainly to Ph.D. students, though some master’s programs offer them.
• Students must assist with faculty research projects or teach undergraduate classes.
• Strong communication and academic skills are required.

Benefits

• Full tuition remission, health coverage, and a monthly stipend.
• Hands-on experience in research or teaching boosts career prospects.
• Opportunities to publish papers, present at conferences, and build professional networks.

Coverage

• Tuition remission, health insurance, and living stipend.

3. Northwestern Professional School Scholarships

a. Kellogg School of Management (MBA Scholarships)

• Merit Scholarships: Awarded to students with strong academic, leadership, and professional achievements.
• Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Support women, minorities, and international MBA candidates.

b. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships for exceptional academic performance.
• Public Interest Fellowships for students pursuing careers in legal aid, non-profit, and government service.

c. Feinberg School of Medicine Scholarships

• Merit- and need-based aid for medical students.
• Special funding for students pursuing global health and research initiatives.

How to Apply for Northwestern Scholarships

For Undergraduate Students

1. Apply for admission 

• Submit an Admission Application via the Common Application or Coalition Application.

2. Apply for Financial Aid:

• U.S. students: Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile.
• International students: Complete the CSS Profile only.

3. Merit Scholarships:

• Most do not require a separate application—students are automatically considered during admissions review.

4. Additional Documents:

• High school transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and (optional) test scores.

For Graduate Students

1. Choose a Graduate/Professional Program (Kellogg, Pritzker, Feinberg, etc.) and submit an application.

2. Fellowships:

• Many are awarded automatically during admission review.
• Some may require additional materials such as research proposals, statements of purpose, or diversity statements.

3. Assistantships:

• Usually arranged within departments after admission.

4. Deadlines:

• Vary by school—most fall between December and February for fall admission.

Northwestern University combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to affordability and accessibility. Whether through need-based aid for undergraduates, prestigious fellowships for doctoral students, or professional scholarships for law, business, and medicine, Northwestern ensures that cost is not a barrier to world-class education. For U.S. and international students, these scholarships are more than financial support, they are investments in leadership, innovation, and global impact.