Loans

Northwestern Law is committed to offering a variety of loan options for students. Students should explore all available options for which they are eligible and understand the benefits, terms, and responsibilities of borrowing loans.

Loan Eligibility

The Chicago Office of Financial Aid administers federal, institutional, and private educational loan programs. Students may borrow up to the cost of attendance, excluding other financial aid. 

To receive federal student loans, you must:

  • be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen;
  • be admitted to a degree or certificate program at Northwestern Law;
  • not be in default on any federal educational loan or owe a refund on a federal grant program;
  • comply with Selective Service registration requirements (male students, ages 18-25);
  • not be convicted of a drug offense (eligibility is suspended for a period of time);
  • meet satisfactory academic standards as determined by Northwestern Law;
  • complete all required steps in the financial aid process.
  • meet Federal Direct GradPLUS Loan credit eligibility requirements or have an eligible co-signer.  

Students holding J1 or J2 exchange visitor visas or F1 or F2 student visas are not eligible for federal loans. However, these students may qualify for institutional and/or private educational loans if they meet specific eligibility requirements. 

All creditworthy students may apply for institutional and/or private loans after exhausting other sources of financial aid. First-time borrowers are strongly encouraged to begin the pre-approval process early to allow time to resolve any credit issues and to secure a co-signer, if necessary.

Types of Loans

LLM Students

Information about the loan application process is available on the Chicago Office of Financial Aid website: