Discounts and Grants
Some students qualify for special tuition discounts. Like discounts and scholarships, grants are a form of gift aid that does not need to be repaid.
Discounts
Some students qualify for special tuition discounts. Discount awards are prorated for students taking less than a full-time credit load. For traditional undergraduate students, online learning course credits do not apply.
Grants
Like discounts and scholarships, grants are a form of gift aid that does not need to be repaid. All Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Federal and UNW Grant awards are prorated for students taking a part-time credit load, with the exception of the Minnesota State Grant, which requires a minimum of 15+ credits to receive the full Minnesota State Grant.
Federal and State Grants are available for Traditional Undergraduate, Adult Undergraduate and Online students. UNW Grants are only available to Traditional Undergraduate students. Graduate students are not eligible for any Federal, State or UNW grants. Click on a degree format to learn more:
Discounts
Christian Worker Discount: $1,500
Students with at least one parent employed full-time as a pastor or missionary are eligible.
Legacy Discount: $1,500
Students with at least one parent who is an alum of Northwestern are eligible. Students may receive both the Christian Worker Discount and the Legacy Discount.
Dual Enrollment Discount
Christian Worker Discount: $230 per semester
This discount is only for students pursuing a dual enrollment degree. Students who are employed as a full-time pastor or missionary or have at least one parent employed full-time as a pastor or missionary are eligible.
Federal and State Grants
Federal Pell Grant: $650–$7,395
The Federal Pell grant is awarded to students based on their financial need as demonstrated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive the full amount of Pell Grant awarded, students must take a minimum of 12 credits and all 12 credits must be able to apply toward a student’s program of study.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): $300–$4,000
FSEOG is available to students who are Pell Grant eligible. If a student is Pell eligible but does not get the FSEOG, the student may be awarded a Northwestern Grant or Minnesota State Grant (for Minnesota residents) instead. FSEOG is not available for undergraduate online learning, adult undergraduate courses or graduate courses.
Minnesota State Grant: $100–$12,345
The Minnesota state grant is awarded to students meeting state criteria for eligibility including, but not limited to:
- Financial need demonstrated by the FAFSA.
- Graduated from a Minnesota high school or lived in MN for 12 consecutive months without attending a post-secondary school.
- Students may receive the Minnesota State Grant for eight semesters of full-time equivalent attendance.
- Active military service or major medical illnesses are circumstances which may be reason for deferring with regard to the eight full-time semester limit. Contact the financial aid office if withdrawing from Northwestern for these reasons.
To receive the full amount of MN State Grant awarded, students must take a minimum of 15 credits and all 15 credits must be able to count toward a student’s program of study.
The MN State Grant is not available for graduate courses.
Minnesota Dream Act: Determined By The State
Students who meet the definition of Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not eligible to receive federal aid, but may be eligible for state financial aid through the Minnesota Dream Act. To apply, students must complete the online MN Dream Act-State Financial Aid application. In addition to Dream Act funding, Traditional Undergraduate students may also be eligible to receive Northwestern scholarships and the University of Northwestern Grant.
University of Northwestern Grants
University of Northwestern Grant: $300–$14,000
This grant is awarded based on financial need demonstrated on the FAFSA, and after all other financial aid is taken into consideration. Eligibility for this grant may be recalculated if a student receives additional federal or state aid, or Northwestern scholarships after the initial financial aid award offer is made. This grant will be recalculated, if a student receives additional discounts and/or scholarships from UNW and if a student receives military benefits and/or military scholarships. This could result in a total loss of UNW Grant. This grant is not available for undergraduate online learning, adult undergraduate courses or graduate courses.
International Students
Most international students are not eligible to receive state or federal assistance. However, students can apply for Northwestern aid based on previous academic achievements. International students must complete a Financial Verification Form (FVF). The application deadline is May 1. International students may also qualify for up to 20 hours of work on campus per week. Students should contact their admissions counselor with any questions regarding financial assistance.
