Financial aid instructions
Financial aid instructions
Financial aid instructions
Ready to apply for financial aid? Below are step-by-step instructions to make paying for college as easy as possible.
To be eligible for financial aid, you’ll need to be accepted for admission first.
You’ll need to include Northwestern’s FAFSA code (001883) and use information from your and your parents' 2023 tax filings if you are applying for the 2025-26 academic year.
If you think you may qualify for an athletic, music, theatre or worship arts scholarship, talk to the appropriate coach or professor and complete any necessary applications or auditions.
You’ll receive your financial aid offer after we have your FAFSA information. You should review it and compare your bottom-line costs with that of other colleges you’re considering. Then, in April you’ll receive a brochure with instructions about how to accept awards on your MyNWC account. Also be sure to record any outside scholarships you’ve received using the “Submit Outside Scholarships” link so we know to expect those on your behalf.
Financial aid awards will be credited to your account once aid has been accepted.
Once financial aid packages have been awarded, you’ll remain eligible to receive aid until you graduate, as long as you maintain good academic standing, file a FAFSA each year and continue to meet aid requirements.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
You may request an adjustment to your FAFSA based on special or unusual circumstances. These adjustments are called professional judgments.
- Use the Change of Income Professional Judgment Request in the case of job loss, reduced hours, reduction in income, death in the family, or retirement.
- Use the Other Extenuating Circumstances Professional Judgment Request in the case of high medical bills, if your family is paying K-12 private tuition, or for a one-time income source.
- If you are not sure if your situation warrants an adjustment, contact the financial aid office.
If professional judgment adjustments to your FAFSA are necessary, the financial aid office will make them. If changes are made to your financial aid package and you are an incoming student, you will be sent a new award letter as soon as the corrections are processed. If you are a current student, you can view the changes on your MyNWC account.
2024-25 forms
Professional Judgement Request - Change of Income
Professional Judgement Request - Other Extenuating Circumstances
2025-26 forms
Professional Judgement Request - Change of Income
Professional Judgement Request - Other Extenuating Circumstances
International students, find information about financial aid here.
