Northwestern updated its financial assistance policy for Summer 2025 on student grant eligibility, just four months before the quarter will begin on June 23. The new policies from the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid require students seeking need-based institutional grant funding to provide “additional context for their enrollment plans.”

Funding will not be available to students who have previously received summer aid without special circumstances, according to the office’s website. Additionally, the University will not fund students who have received aid for a summer study abroad program before, or those pursuing “additional credentials,” such as extra majors, minors or graduate coursework.

However, students with special circumstances — such as needing aid to complete primary degree requirements through summer classes — may request an exception by providing course details for review.

In a statement sent to The Daily, the Office of Financial Aid said these circumstances could also include students who have taken a medical leave during the standard academic year or need to retake courses required for degree progression. 

To qualify for financial aid in the summer, current NU students must be enrolled in at least two credit units.

Additionally, students who graduate in June are not eligible for summer aid, and first-year and transfer students will only be eligible for summer aid after their fall enrollment.

Sources of funding will include federal sources of aid, such as Pell Grants or loans, and internal NU grant assistance. However, the Office of Financial Aid stated the NU Loan —  a financing option available to parents of undergraduate students — is not available during summer terms. 

“Summer institutional grant assistance has always been prioritized to help support Evanston undergraduates who need additional enrollment to complete their primary degree program on time. This policy helps the University to better prioritize resources for progress to degree,” the Office of Financial Aid said in a statement to The Daily. 

The website stated that NU will continue reviewing these policies and will announce any changes for Summer 2026 on the financial aid website this fall. 

Email: alexiasextou2028@u.northwestern.edu

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