Northwestern University Scholarships (2025–2026) | Cost, Merit, Honors & Aid

Northwestern University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

If you’re looking at Northwestern, you already know it’s one of the most selective schools in the country. But what families often miss is how financial aid works at a private university like this—where most support is need-based, but important hidden gems and research funding also exist. This guide breaks down costs, scholarships, and programs in plain English so first-generation parents can see what’s really on the table. For state-level help, check out our Illinois aid guide alongside this page.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Northwestern University

Expense Amount (Annual)
Tuition $69,375
Fees $1,214
Room & Board $21,975
Books & Supplies $1,539
Personal Expenses $2,079
Transportation $2,054
Total (Before Aid) $96,236
Average Net Price: Families actually paid $25,485 per year on average (2022–23, after grants and scholarships—no loans). This number comes from federal NCES data and can vary by income, but it gives a realistic sense of what families typically spend.
Northwestern is a private university, so it does not participate in state reciprocity or WUE-style tuition discount programs. However, the school does fund a Good Neighbor, Great University scholarship for students graduating from Chicago and Evanston high schools. This award is based on financial need and considered automatically during admission.

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 varies by year and financial situation, but it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible families when stacked with other aid.

Do I need to apply separately?
No. Students are considered automatically when they submit their admission and financial aid applications. Because Northwestern requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for aid, be sure to complete both on time.

✅ 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?
Automatic Merit Awards None published Northwestern emphasizes need-based aid N/A N/A No automatic GPA/test-based tiers exist

Northwestern does participate 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, but with important details. For the SAT, Northwestern will consider the highest section scores across multiple sittings (“superscoring”). For the ACT, applicants must submit the official ACT superscore provided by MyACT; Northwestern will use that certified superscore in its review. Students should not calculate their own ACT superscores.

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 replaces other institutional grants.

🏆 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?
— — — — — —

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.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Northwestern may not publish automatic merit charts, but it does offer valuable programs that can significantly reduce costs or open doors to unique experiences. These awards aren’t always obvious on the admissions site, but they can make a real difference once your student is on campus.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Northwestern University Scholarship / Endowed Scholarships Covers demonstrated need (often $10,000–$50,000+ depending on family income/assets) All undergraduates with financial need as determined by FAFSA + CSS Profile No Yes, if financial need continues Most undergrads who qualify for aid; endowed scholarships simply replace a portion of the general NU Scholarship
Good Neighbor, Great University Varies by need; often several thousand dollars per year Graduates of Chicago or Evanston high schools who qualify for financial aid No Yes, if need persists Admitted Chicago/Evanston grads who demonstrate financial need
QuestBridge National College Match Full ride (tuition, room, board, and fees covered) High-achieving, low-income students selected through QuestBridge Yes, via QuestBridge application Yes, if academic progress and financial eligibility remain Nationally competitive low-income students; admission + QuestBridge match required
Navy ROTC Scholarship Full tuition + fees + book stipend + monthly living stipend U.S. citizens meeting academic, medical, and fitness standards who enroll in NROTC Yes, via NROTC application Yes Students pursuing a Navy officer commission with strong academics and fitness
Summer Undergraduate Research Grant (SURG) $4,000 stipend Undergraduates with a faculty-mentored summer research project Yes, via Office of Undergraduate Research Per summer cycle Students with clear project plans and faculty support
Academic-Year URG Up to $1,000 Students conducting research tied to a class, independent study, or thesis Yes Per project Students who secure a faculty mentor and feasible research plan
GLO Study Abroad Scholarships $1,000–$7,500; some programs fully funded Students accepted to Northwestern-approved study abroad programs No, considered automatically No Students with financial need pursuing study abroad
Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) $3,500 stipend Students with unpaid internships who demonstrate financial need Yes, via Career Advancement Per summer cycle Students securing unpaid internships with strong learning goals
Conference Travel Grant Up to $500 Undergrads presenting at academic or creative conferences Yes One per academic year Students accepted to present research or creative work

Disclaimer: Award amounts for need-based scholarships (Northwestern University Scholarship and endowed scholarships) vary widely by family income and assets. Figures provided are evidence-based ranges, not guarantees. Always confirm current policies with Northwestern’s Financial Aid office.

  • Clubs, marching band, Greek life, and other campus groups at Northwestern do not come with automatic scholarships or tuition discounts.

Northwestern also partners with the QuestBridge National College Match, which can provide a full-ride, need-based package for students selected through the national program.

FAQ

Are these scholarships separate from regular financial aid?
Yes. Most of these awards are layered on top of your regular financial aid package and cover specific opportunities like research, study abroad, or internships.

Who actually gets the Good Neighbor scholarship?
Admitted students who graduated from Chicago or Evanston high schools and demonstrate financial need are automatically considered.

How competitive are the research and internship grants?
Programs like SURG and SIGP are selective but accessible—students with strong proposals, clear goals, or financial need often receive funding.

Can QuestBridge stack with other aid?
No. A QuestBridge Match package covers the full cost of attendance at Northwestern, so it replaces other institutional grants.

⭐ 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.

Standout Program:
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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical Northwestern Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks of Northwestern’s Honors-Style Programs:
  • 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 school, law, medicine, and policy careers
  • In some cases, accelerated degree options (e.g., 3-year BA through ISP)

FAQ

Is admission automatic?
No. Programs like ISP (Integrated Science Program) and MMSS (Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences) require a separate, selective application process after general admission.

Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. ISP students can sometimes even shorten time-to-degree with an accelerated 3-year option. MMSS is structured as a major and does not delay graduation.

What deadlines should we watch for?
ISP and MMSS applications typically open after admission to Northwestern, with early spring deadlines for fall entry. Always confirm dates directly on program pages.

Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
No separate tuition discounts are tied directly to Honors-style programs. Funding is more commonly available through research grants, study abroad awards, and other Hidden Gem opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Northwestern is one of the most selective universities in the country, and while it doesn’t hand out automatic merit the way big public schools do, it supports students generously through need-based aid and targeted opportunities like research grants, study abroad funding, and QuestBridge. For first-gen families, that means the “sticker price” isn’t the whole story—many students pay far less, and the doors opened by Northwestern’s programs and networks can be worth the investment. If your student is aiming high, this guide should give you a clear picture of what to expect.

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✅ Last updated: September 16, 2025

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