Northwestern University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- What merit aid exists (if any) and how awards stack here
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem opportunities, if available
- Honors-style academics and how financial aid works at NU
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~7.7% (Fall 2024 cohort)
- Middle 50% ACT: 34–35 (submitters)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1500–1560 (submitters)
- Average HS GPA: Not published
Source: Northwestern Common Data Set 2024–25 (applications, admits & score ranges). Acceptance rate derived from CDS totals. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted submitters fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Northwestern at a Glance
Last verified: October 11, 2025
Northwestern is a private research university that does not award academic merit scholarships. Instead, NU commits to meeting 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need — typically with loan-free packages that combine NU scholarships and grants with work-study and outside aid. That’s why your family’s net price can be far below the sticker cost.
If your student has top-tier academics and a compelling impact story, focus on fit, academic programs, and the aid forms (FAFSA + CSS Profile) by the priority date. Use NU’s Net Price Calculator to estimate your personalized cost, then compare to offers from peer schools.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. Northwestern is test-optional for first-year and transfer applicants; ACT/SAT are not required. Applicants may submit scores if they wish.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? SAT (submitters): 1500–1560; ACT (submitters): 34–35. These reflect the range among students who provided scores.
What’s the average net price? ~$23,341 per year on average after grants/scholarships (institutional + outside). Your net price will vary based on need.
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No. NU is a private university; residency doesn’t change tuition. Aid is primarily need-based. Limited talent awards (e.g., music, athletics) exist.
University COA page — https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/aid-basics-eligibility/cost-of-attendance.html
Official Tuition & Fees Release — https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/05/northwestern-sets-tuition-fees-and-financial-aid-for-2025-2026-academic-year/
Admissions Tuition & Aid Page — https://admissions.northwestern.edu/tuition-aid/
College Board BigFuture Profile — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/northwestern-university/tuition-and-costs
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
💰 Cost of Attendance at Northwestern University
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $70,589 |
| Housing & Meals | $21,975 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $92,564 |
Other estimated expenses — including books and supplies (~$1,539), personal expenses (~$2,079), and transportation (~$2,054) — are not included above because they are not paid directly to the university. These vary widely by student and location.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the Good Neighbor program?
Graduates of Chicago or Evanston high schools who are admitted to Northwestern and demonstrate financial need.
How much can families save?
The award amount varies by year and student, but it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs when combined with other Northwestern grants and scholarships.
Do I need to apply separately?
No. Students are automatically considered when they submit both the CSS Profile and FAFSA by the priority deadlines.
University COA page — https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/aid-basics-eligibility/cost-of-attendance.html
Official Tuition & Fees Release — https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/05/northwestern-sets-tuition-fees-and-financial-aid-for-2025-2026-academic-year/
Financial Aid Programs — https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/aid-types/northwestern-aid.html
Good Neighbor, Great University Scholarship — https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/aid-types/scholarships.html#good-neighbor
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?147767-Northwestern-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Unlike many public universities, Northwestern does not publish automatic GPA/test score–based scholarships for undergraduates. Nearly all institutional aid is based on financial need, with only a handful of talent awards offered through specific schools (such as the Bienen School of Music). That means you won’t find a chart of guaranteed merit awards here—Northwestern builds most packages from federal, state, and institutional need-based funds.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit Awards | None published | Northwestern emphasizes need-based aid | N/A | N/A | No automatic GPA/test-based tiers exist | N/A |
| QuestBridge National College Match | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room/board) | High-achieving, low-income students; see QuestBridge eligibility | Yes — QuestBridge application | Yes — with continued financial need and full-time enrollment | Students selected through QuestBridge Match process | Nov 1 (Match), March 1 (CSS/FAFSA) |
Northwestern participates in the QuestBridge National College Match, offering need-based full-ride packages to matched students.
Note: Because Northwestern does not award automatic merit, families should focus on completing both FAFSA and the CSS Profile to be considered for institutional aid.
FAQ
Do I need a separate application for merit?
No. There are no automatic merit awards. All students are considered for need-based aid when they submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Does Northwestern superscore test results?
Yes. For the SAT, Northwestern considers the highest section scores across sittings (“superscoring”). For the ACT, applicants must submit the official ACT superscore from MyACT; self-calculated scores are not accepted.
Can I combine QuestBridge with other aid?
QuestBridge Match scholarships are full-ride, need-based packages. Students matched through QuestBridge receive a complete aid package from Northwestern, which generally replaces other institutional grants.
https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/types-of-aid/questbridge/
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/cost-aid/
https://www.questbridge.org/partner-colleges/northwestern-university
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/counselors/faq.html
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities offer big competitive awards for high-achieving students. At Northwestern, however, there are no broad, university-wide competitive merit scholarships listed for undergraduates. Most funding is either need-based or tied to specific programs (like research or study abroad), which we’ll cover later in the Hidden Gems section.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
FAQ
Why doesn’t Northwestern list competitive scholarships?
As a private university, Northwestern’s financial aid strategy is centered on need-based grants rather than merit competitions. While competitive scholarships are common at large public universities, Northwestern funds students primarily through demonstrated need.
Does that mean there’s no way to win extra scholarships?
Not exactly. Northwestern students can access Hidden Gem opportunities like research grants, study abroad stipends, ROTC scholarships, and special community-based awards.
Should families still look for outside scholarships?
Yes. National scholarships, community foundations, and private programs can be applied toward Northwestern costs and often stack with the university’s need-based aid.
https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/types-of-aid/questbridge/
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/cost-aid/
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/counselors/faq.html
https://collegereadyparent.org/northwestern-university-scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
Northwestern does not have a single, centralized honors college. Instead, it offers highly selective programs that function like honors pathways—small cohorts, close mentorship, and advanced coursework designed for students who want a more rigorous academic track. These programs are competitive, and most require a separate application after admission.
High school GPA near the top of the class, strong standardized test scores (if submitted), evidence of advanced math/science or quantitative coursework, and clear intellectual curiosity demonstrated through essays, research, or independent projects.
- Small, seminar-style classes with top faculty
- Early access to research and faculty mentorship
- Specialized curricula (e.g., Integrated Science Program, MMSS)
- Strong pipelines to graduate/professional programs
- In some cases, accelerated degree options (e.g., 3-year BA through ISP)
| Program | Scholarship / Funding | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Gets In? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Science Program (ISP) | No dedicated honors scholarship; can compete for SURG or other research funding | Top STEM students, high GPA, heavy AP/IB in sciences and math, strong essays | Yes — post-admission application, recommendations, interview | N/A | ~50 select students annually; most with national-level science profiles | Mar 1 |
| Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS) | No tuition scholarship; access to MMSS summer research awards | Admitted freshmen, high GPA and math SAT/ACT, strong interest in quantitative social science | Yes — online MMSS application, transcript/test scores | N/A | ~30-40 per year; strongest applicants are math-advanced and research-oriented | Mar 1 |
| International Studies Honors | No tuition scholarship; eligible for research and study abroad grants | International Studies majors, high GPA, strong independent thesis proposal | Yes — honors proposal after sophomore year | N/A | Juniors with faculty-supported, research-backed applications | Apr 11 |
FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Programs like ISP and MMSS require separate, highly selective applications with essays, transcripts, and (often) interviews.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. ISP can even allow certain students to finish in three years. MMSS is a structured second major, on time with standard bachelor’s degrees.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
No. These programs don’t attach extra tuition awards; research, SURG, and study abroad funding is also open to all undergrads.
What are the application deadlines?
ISP and MMSS: March 1 post-admission. International Studies Honors: April 11 (after sophomore year).
https://isp.northwestern.edu/
https://mmss.northwestern.edu/
https://internationalstudies.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/honors/application.html
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/
⭐ College Specialty
Northwestern is a private R1 research university and part of the Big Ten, known for combining a top-tier academic reputation with strong professional programs. For parents, that means your student isn’t just going to class—they’re tapping into nationally recognized schools, alumni pipelines, and research opportunities that can open career doors across the country.
The Medill School of Journalism is consistently ranked among the nation’s top journalism programs. Its unique Journalism Residency places students in real newsrooms across the U.S. and abroad, giving them professional experience before graduation.
- School of Communication (Theatre & Performing Arts): Northwestern has one of the most respected theatre and musical theatre programs in the U.S., with alumni on Broadway, television, and film.
- McCormick School of Engineering: Known for its hands-on research and innovation focus, with opportunities like the Design Innovation program and extensive undergraduate research grants.
- Kellogg School of Management (Undergraduate certificates/minors): While Kellogg is best known for its MBA, undergraduates benefit from access to business-oriented certificates and courses at a school ranked among the top 5 MBA programs nationally (U.S. News 2024).
- Integrated Science Program (ISP) & MMSS: Highly selective honors-level programs in science and quantitative social sciences, producing graduates who go on to top PhD, medical, and policy programs.