Prospective International and Undocumented Students: Navigating Northwestern University Financial Aid

# Introduction Northwestern University offers financial aid to international and undocumented students who apply for undergraduate admission. The aid process is integrated with the admissions application and requires specific forms and documentation. # Eligibility - Students who are applying for admission to Northwestern and indicate a desire for financial aid. - International students (including undocumented) are considered in a need‑aware manner; their aid request is evaluated by the admissions committee. - No explicit mention of eligibility criteria beyond the need‑aware evaluation. # Application Process 1. **Indicate aid interest** on the admissions application by checking the “yes” box for financial aid consideration. 2. **Submit the CSS Profile** (College Scholarship Service) or the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) if the CSS Profile cannot be completed. 3. **Provide tax or earnings documentation** from parents or guardians, translated into English if necessary. 4. **Submit all documents** via the secure upload portal or by email to the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid. # Key Deadlines (by application group) | Application Group | Aid Interest Deadline | CSS/ISAFA Deadline | Tax/Earnings Deadline | Aid Decision Release | |--------------------|-----------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|----------------------| | Regular Decision | February 2 | October 1 | November 1 | Late March | | Early Decision | November 1 | December 1 | December 5 | December | | Transfer | March 15 | March 15 | April 20 | May | *Note: Exact dates may vary each year; applicants should verify dates in their admissions portal.* # Funding Options - Northwestern issues a four‑year aid award for international applicants. - The aid package may include need‑based grants, scholarships, and work‑study opportunities. - No specific federal or state aid programs are listed for international or undocumented students. # Documentation Requirements - **CSS Profile**: Code 1565; no fee waivers for international students. - **ISAFA**: Used if CSS Profile cannot be completed; may require additional documentation. - **Tax/Earnings Forms**: Parents’ national tax forms or official earnings statements, translated into English; include conversion rates if in foreign currency. - **Cover Sheet**: Required for all uploads. # Transition to Incoming Students After admission, students receive an aid award notification alongside their acceptance letter. They then follow the incoming student financial aid steps, which include confirming deposit deadlines and finalizing any remaining documentation. # Unknowns and Source Limitations - The source text is a single university webpage; it may not reflect the most current policies or deadlines. - No explicit eligibility thresholds (e.g., income limits) are provided. - Funding details are general; specific award amounts or types are not disclosed. - The text does not address undocumented students’ eligibility for federal aid or specific scholarship programs. - The information may be incomplete for students applying outside the listed deadlines or for those with unique circumstances. # Conclusion International and undocumented students interested in Northwestern’s undergraduate financial aid should carefully follow the outlined steps, meet all deadlines, and submit the required documentation. Because the source is a single university webpage, applicants should confirm details directly with Northwestern’s Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid to ensure accuracy and completeness. Source: https://undergradaid.northwestern.edu/apply-for-aid/prospective-international-undocumented-students/ Checked: 2026-10-12T09:54:20.821085+00:00 Confirm details with the official institution before applying.