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Reapplication Procedure FAQs

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1. Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Even those students who are only receiving assistance in the form of loans must apply for funds before loan applications can be completed. If you are currently receiving financial aid, reapplication instructions for the following year will be sent to you during the month of February. For the 2008-09 academic year, we are encouraging all families to submit their applications online. See Current Student Reapplication Procedures for more information.

2. When are the deadlines for filing my financial aid forms?
For the 2008-09 academic year, all forms must be submitted by May 1 for regular campus study. For certain study abroad programs, the deadline is April 1 (see Study Abroad Financial Aid for more information). Since the FAFSA and the CSS Profile can take 3-4 weeks to process, please complete those and send them to their respective agencies in enough time to meet the deadlines.

3. What forms need to be filed?
For returning students, there are three forms that need to be filed:

  1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile).
  3. Northwestern's University Aid Application (UAPP), which must be completed online via CAESAR

Both the FAFSA and the Profile can be completed online. Upon completion of the CSS Profile, families will receive instructions to submit taxes, W-2s and a verification worksheet to the College Board IDOC Service. If necessary, the Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to request additional information.

4. What are Northwestern's institutional codes for the FAFSA and the Profile?
The code for the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is 001739. Northwestern's code for the CSS Profile is 1565 for current and returning students.

5. When will I receive notification of my aid package?
If the application is completed by the deadline, returning students will have their aid packages mailed to their permanent addresses the summer before any given academic year. Most students will receive their package in either June or July.

6. How can I check on the status of my aid package?
Students are encouraged to log onto CAESAR and check their "Financial Aid To-Do List" for a breakdown of any missing application materials. Students and parents can also call our office if they have any additional questions.

If financial need develops after the financial aid application deadlines, may I be considered for financial aid even though I have not applied on time and never received financial aid in the past?
Yes, you may be considered for financial aid at any time. However, funds are limited and missing deadline dates may mean that you cannot be considered for all programs.

Still have questions?


You may want to try browsing the other categories of Current Student FAQs available on the Office of Financial Aid website.

If you don't find the answer to your question or would like to discuss your concerns with a counselor, please contact us by phone at (847) 491-7400 or e-mail us at ug-finaid@u.northwestern.edu.