Apply for Financial Aid


Take it one step at a time.

ApplyforFinancialAid

Here’s how to apply for financial aid:

1. Apply to UNW

Before applying for financial aid at Northwestern, you must apply for admission and be accepted to UNW. Once accepted, Admissions will award you an academic scholarship and evaluate your eligibility for our discounts.

2. Complete Your FAFSA

Next, you’ll complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Financial Aid Office will use the FAFSA to determine if you quality for any federal aid. You will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter that lets you know what you are eligible for in Federal, State, and UNW Aid. Here are three simple steps to help you submit your FAFSA.

Obtain an FSA ID
Visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/ to get your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). Both students and parents need an FSA ID to electronically sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to apply for federal student loans.

Fill out your FAFSA
Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply… to complete your Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Completing the FAFSA online is even easier with the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. If you are a dependent student, you will need your federal tax return and your parents’ federal tax return. If you are an independent student you will need your federal tax return, and if married, your spouse’s federal tax return. Allow up to two weeks after you have electronically submitted your tax forms for the information to be accessible from the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

Submit your FAFSA online – School Code: 002371
You are able to complete your FAFSA online at FAFSA 2023 – 24, after October 1, in the year prior to your first college term. Sign your FAFSA online using your FSA ID and include Northwestern’s School Code, 002371, to enable your FAFSA to be sent directly to our Financial Aid Office.

Note: An additional step in the process is required if a student’s FAFSA is selected by the Department of Education for a process called verification, in which additional income verification information is needed. If your FAFSA is selected for verification, the Office of Financial Aid Office will contact you for further information.


The State of Minnesota requires students to complete 150 credits before taking the Minnesota CPA exam. A 150 credit major is not required though. Students can complete extra credits at UNW with the addition of another major, minor, or elective credits.

3. Complete all other forms

Complete and submit all forms requested by the Office of Financial Aid. Students will be awarded financial aid after all correct and completed financial aid application materials are submitted to financial aid. Award offers will be sent out within two weeks after the awarding cycle has started. All college aid is subject to available funding.

4. Learn about billing, payment plans, and important date

Payments, outstanding bills, account balances, and other information can be found on your student account.

5. Explore additional financial aid opportunities

Some students may qualify for additional financial aid opportunities. Explore scholarships, discounts, and grants.

Questions?

Check out our parent and guardian FAQs or Contact the Office of Financial Aid: