First-Generation and/or Lower-Income Applicants

How we use "First-Generation" and "Lower-Income" (FGLI)

Recognizing that individuals can identify with the terms "first-generation" and "lower-income" in a variety of ways, a note about how Northwestern defines the phrases:

• First-generation college students represent the first generation in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university.
• Lower-income students are generally those eligible for Pell Grants.

Affordability and accessibility

Fee Waiver

Application fee waivers are available for students who meet at least one of the indicators of financial need listed on the   Common Application or the   Apply Coalition with Scoir, or identify with any one of the following categories:

• Students receiving free and reduced lunch
• First-generation college students
• Students whose circumstances do not include any of the above, but for whom the application fee nevertheless poses a financial hardship

Learn more by clicking on this link to our  Application Fee Waiver  page.

Helpful Links:

• Affordability on Campus

Student Enrichment Services (SES)

Student Enrichment Services (SES) connects students to FGLI communities and resources in an effort to help support student success at Northwestern. Some areas that SES programs address are:

• Balancing school, work, home, and social life 
• Navigating the University
• Asking for help
• Finding community on campus

Helpful Links:

• Office of FGLI Initiatives
• I'm First (First-Generation Student Group)
• Top Ten List of Resources for FGLI Students