Northwestern University offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs designed to help undergraduate students make the cost of a college education more manageable. The university provides need-based scholarships, endowed scholarships, and several specialized programs for students who meet specific academic, financial, or background criteria.
In the 2023-24 academic year, Northwestern University awarded more than $200 million to undergraduate students, and approximately half of all undergraduates received a Northwestern University Scholarship. Students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for all of the Northwestern aid programs listed by the university, although eligibility and program requirements may change as federal, state, and university policies are updated.
For an entering first-year student, Northwestern financial aid from the university is generally limited to four years of enrollment, while entering transfer students can receive university financial aid for up to three years of enrollment.
Northwestern University Scholarships
The Northwestern University Scholarship is one of the university’s primary sources of undergraduate financial aid.
The NU Scholarship is generally the final component of a student’s financial aid package and is designed to meet remaining demonstrated financial need after other forms of aid have been applied.
There are two main forms of Northwestern University Scholarship funding.
NU Appropriated Scholarship
NU Appropriated Scholarship awards are based on demonstrated institutional financial need and the availability of funding when the student applies.
Northwestern notes that recipients can come from a wide range of family income backgrounds. Therefore, students should not assume that institutional scholarship consideration is limited exclusively to families in the lowest income category.
NU Endowed Scholarship
Northwestern also offers endowed scholarships funded by friends and alumni of the university.
Students who qualify for the Northwestern University Scholarship can be considered for various endowed scholarships if they also meet the additional selection criteria established by individual donors.
These scholarships can connect students with donors who support Northwestern’s educational mission.
Northwestern Scholarship Amounts
The university provides historical average scholarship information for enrolling freshmen in Fall 2021 based on family Adjusted Gross Income.
The figures below are averages and are provided by Northwestern as an illustration of scholarship aid awarded to students.
| Family Income | Percent Receiving NU Aid | Average NU Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$29,999 | 96% | $65,216 |
| $30,000–$59,999 | 95% | $67,118 |
| $60,000–$89,999 | 93% | $63,113 |
| $90,000–$119,999 | 91% | $55,875 |
| $120,000–$149,999 | 88% | $48,328 |
| $150,000 or more | 42% | $31,378 |
Northwestern emphasizes that these figures are averages rather than guaranteed scholarship amounts. The university also notes that families in higher income ranges may have more than one student enrolled in college, which can affect scholarship eligibility.
Northwestern Endowed Scholarships
Northwestern Endowed Scholarships are funded through gifts from individuals and alumni who support the university.
Some donors are Northwestern alumni who previously benefited from student financial aid themselves. Recipients of named endowed scholarships may have opportunities to establish a connection with the donor through correspondence or meetings.
However, an endowed scholarship does not necessarily increase the total amount of financial aid a student receives.
Instead, Northwestern states that funds awarded through endowed scholarships replace Northwestern grant funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis according to the restrictions attached to the particular fund.
Students must also meet the criteria associated with each individual endowed scholarship.
Do You Need a Separate Application?
No additional application materials are required specifically for Northwestern endowed scholarships beyond the regular financial aid application materials.
Students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for these funds, with selection based on how well they match the criteria established by the donor.
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Northwestern University is a partner college with QuestBridge, a nonprofit organization that helps high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds connect with selective colleges and universities.
Students matched with Northwestern through the QuestBridge National College Match can receive substantial scholarship assistance from the university.
Applicants interested in this pathway should consult Northwestern’s QuestBridge information and QuestBridge directly for current deadlines and application requirements.
Chicago Star Scholarship
The Chicago Star Scholarship is a need-based scholarship established by Northwestern for students who have completed studies at City Colleges of Chicago and transfer to Northwestern.
Eligibility
Students must have:
- Been admitted to Northwestern University
- Completed part of their studies at City Colleges of Chicago
- Transferred to Northwestern to complete their first bachelor’s degree
Award Amount
The award is based on the student’s demonstrated financial need under Northwestern’s need-based financial aid policies.
Renewal
The Chicago Star Scholarship can be renewed for up to three years, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship
Northwestern introduced the Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship beginning in the 2023-24 academic year.
The scholarship supports undergraduate students whose academic work demonstrates a strong commitment to Native American and Indigenous studies.
Eligibility
The scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to and focus on Native American and Indigenous issues.
This can include demonstrated knowledge of Native American and Indigenous history or culture and/or a commitment to enhancing Native American and Indigenous communities, culture, and lifeways.
Award Amount
The amount depends on the recipient’s level of demonstrated financial need.
Northwestern states that funds awarded through this scholarship replace funds received as part of a Northwestern University Scholarship.
Renewal
The scholarship can be available for up to four years, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Canning Scholarship
Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, Northwestern introduced need-based Canning Scholarships through a gift from the Canning Foundation.
The scholarship supports graduates of selected Big Shoulders Fund schools.
The Big Shoulders Fund works with Chicago-area youth with demonstrated financial need through partner Catholic schools.
Eligibility
The Canning Scholarship is available to graduates of selected Big Shoulders Fund partner high schools.
Award Amount
The scholarship amount is determined according to the student’s demonstrated financial need and Northwestern’s need-based financial aid policies.
Renewal
The Canning Scholarship can be available for up to four years as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Who Can Receive Northwestern Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the specific Northwestern scholarship.
The university’s scholarship portfolio includes opportunities based on:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Academic and institutional criteria
- Donor-specific selection requirements
- Transfer status
- Educational background
- Native American and Indigenous studies interests
- Graduation from selected Big Shoulders Fund schools
- Participation in the QuestBridge National College Match
Because each scholarship has different requirements, students should carefully review the criteria for the individual program.
How Northwestern Scholarship Consideration Works
One important feature of Northwestern’s financial aid system is that students who apply for aid are automatically considered for the university scholarship programs listed on the financial aid page.
This means students do not necessarily need to submit a separate application for every Northwestern scholarship.
For endowed scholarships, Northwestern specifically states that no additional application materials are required beyond the regular financial aid application materials.
However, students should still complete the required financial aid application process and ensure that all necessary information is submitted accurately and on time.
How Long Can Northwestern Scholarships Be Received?
The duration of financial aid from Northwestern depends on the student’s enrollment status and the specific scholarship.
For entering first-year students, university financial aid is limited to four years of enrollment.
For entering transfer students, university financial aid is limited to three years of enrollment.
Individual scholarships may also have their own renewal conditions. For example, the Chicago Star Scholarship can be available for up to three years, while the Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship and Canning Scholarship can be available for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Maintaining Northwestern Scholarship Eligibility
Students receiving scholarships with renewal provisions should pay close attention to satisfactory academic progress.
Several Northwestern scholarship programs specifically state that recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funding.
This includes:
- Chicago Star Scholarship
- Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship
- Canning Scholarship
Students should therefore understand the academic requirements attached to their individual financial aid package.
Northwestern Scholarships and the Cost of College
Scholarships can play an important role in reducing the amount students and families need to pay toward college expenses.
Northwestern’s scholarship data demonstrates that institutional scholarship support can reach substantial amounts for eligible students. The university reported that approximately half of undergraduates received a Northwestern University Scholarship in 2023-24, while more than $200 million was awarded to undergraduate students during that academic year.
The university’s historical data also shows that students across multiple family income ranges received Northwestern scholarship support.
However, students should remember that historical averages do not guarantee future award amounts.
Important Note About Scholarship Amounts
The scholarship amounts published by Northwestern should not be interpreted as guaranteed awards for future applicants.
The university states that the figures in its scholarship chart are averages. Financial aid eligibility can depend on demonstrated need, availability of funding, and other program-specific requirements.
In addition, Northwestern’s scholarship and financial aid policies can change as federal, state and university regulations change.
Students should therefore use the current Northwestern financial aid information when determining their eligibility and expected financial assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northwestern University offer scholarships?
Yes. Northwestern offers multiple undergraduate scholarship programs, including the Northwestern University Scholarship, endowed scholarships, QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, Chicago Star Scholarship, Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship, and Canning Scholarship.
How much is the Northwestern University Scholarship?
There is no single fixed award amount for every student. Northwestern provides average scholarship figures based on family income, but actual awards depend on individual financial circumstances and other factors.
For Fall 2021 enrolling freshmen, the published average NU Scholarship ranged from $31,378 for families earning $150,000 or more to $67,118 for families earning $30,000–$59,999.
Does Northwestern automatically consider students for scholarships?
Students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for all forms of Northwestern aid listed on the university’s financial aid page.
Do Northwestern endowed scholarships require a separate application?
No. Northwestern states that students do not need to submit additional application materials beyond the regular financial aid application materials for endowed scholarships.
What is the Chicago Star Scholarship?
The Chicago Star Scholarship is a need-based Northwestern scholarship for eligible students who completed part of their studies at City Colleges of Chicago and transfer to Northwestern to complete their first bachelor’s degree.
How long can the Chicago Star Scholarship last?
The Chicago Star Scholarship can be available for up to three years, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Who qualifies for the Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship?
The scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to and focus on Native American and Indigenous issues, including knowledge of Native American and Indigenous history or culture and/or a commitment to supporting Native American and Indigenous communities, culture and lifeways.
Who is eligible for the Canning Scholarship?
The Canning Scholarship is available to graduates of selected Big Shoulders Fund partner high schools and is based on demonstrated financial need under Northwestern’s financial aid policies.
Can Northwestern scholarships be renewed?
Some Northwestern scholarships can be renewed for multiple years, subject to their individual requirements. Several programs require recipients to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Final Thoughts
Northwestern University provides significant scholarship support to undergraduate students through a combination of institutional, endowed, need-based, and specialized scholarship programs.
The university awarded more than $200 million to undergraduate students in 2023-24, and approximately half of undergraduates received a Northwestern University Scholarship. Students can also explore specialized opportunities such as the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, Chicago Star Scholarship, Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship, and Canning Scholarship.
One of the most important points for prospective applicants is that students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for Northwestern’s listed forms of aid. Endowed scholarships also do not require separate application materials beyond the regular financial aid application.
Because financial aid policies, eligibility requirements, and funding availability can change, students should always consult Northwestern University’s current financial aid information before making decisions about college financing.
For outstanding students seeking to reduce the cost of attending a highly selective U.S. university, Northwestern’s scholarship programs represent an important source of potential financial support.
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