Eligibility

The Office of Financial Aid, Chicago, administers financial aid programs to eligible applicants. These programs include federal, institutional and private educational loan programs. Private organizations offering educational assistance have their own eligibility criteria. The actual amount of financial aid you receive at the time of disbursement will depend on whether you meet all eligibility requirements for the awarded funds.

To receive federal financial aid in the form of loans, you must:

be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
be admitted to a degree or certificate program at Northwestern University School of Law;
not be in default on any federal educational loans or owe a refund on a federal grant program;
comply with Selective Service registration requirements. Male students, ages 18-25, must be registered for Selective Service;
not be convicted of a drug offense (eligibility is suspended for a period of time);
meet satisfactory academic standards as determined by the Northwestern University School of Law;
complete all required steps in the financial aid process.

Students holding J1 or J2 exchange visitor visas or F1 or F2 student visas are NOT eligible for federal loan programs but may qualify for institutional and/or private educational loans. Students will be required to meet specific eligibility requirements for institutional and/or private educational loans. International students should also refer to External Resources for more information about external funding.