Northwestern's published cost of attendance reaches $87,804 annually, including $65,997 in tuition, $20,334 for room and board, and $1,686 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,143 after financial aid, representing $60,661 in aid savings from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $91,250 |
| Tuition and Fees | $68,322 |
| Room and Board | $21,126 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,794 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$62,083 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $29,167 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,764 |
| $30–48k | $6,099 |
| $48–75k | $7,898 |
| $75–110k | $18,282 |
| $110k+ | $48,777 |
Northwestern's published cost of attendance reaches $87,804 annually, including $65,997 in tuition, $20,334 for room and board, and $1,686 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,143 after financial aid, representing $60,661 in aid savings from the sticker price. This net price matches exactly with peer median costs, indicating Northwestern prices competitively within its selective private university category.
The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates Northwestern's commitment to need-based financial aid. Net costs vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $1,243 for families earning under $30,000 to $48,837 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure means that families at different income levels experience vastly different affordability profiles.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Northwestern graduates carry manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median student debt reaches $15,000, well below the peer median of $24,181, creating a favorable $9,181 advantage compared to similar institutions.
Student debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student body. Northwestern ranks at the 85th percentile for low debt levels nationally, reflecting the institution's effective financial aid programs and student financial management.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 indicates that typical debt payments consume approximately 17% of graduate income, well within manageable ranges for loan repayment. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $25,000 with monthly payments around $329, representing additional family investment in Northwestern education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Northwestern delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of exceptional earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels. Graduates earn $89,363 annually at the median, ranking at the 96th percentile nationally, while carrying debt of just $15,000, creating a favorable 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio.
Compared to peer institutions, Northwestern graduates earn $26,297 more annually while borrowing $9,181 less, representing superior financial outcomes on both dimensions. The institution generates earnings slightly below expectations by $1,320, placing it around the national average on value-added measures, though absolute earnings remain exceptional.
Northwestern ranks at the 96th percentile for return on investment, indicating that the combination of costs, aid, and outcomes creates favorable long-term value. Low-income graduates achieve particularly strong outcomes at $99,900, ranking in the top 5% nationally.
Northwestern's financial aid profile reflects substantial investment in student access across economic backgrounds. The university enrolls 18.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful representation of lower-income families within its selective student body.
Financial aid reduces average costs by $60,661 from the published sticker price, demonstrating significant institutional support for affordability. The aid structure heavily favors lower-income families, with net prices below $7,000 for families earning under $75,000 annually.
This aid targeting helps explain how Northwestern maintains an 18.7% Pell share despite its selective admission profile. The substantial financial aid savings enable Northwestern to serve economically diverse students while maintaining its position as a high-quality private institution.
