Emergency Loans

An emergency loan is intended to assist students in unexpected short-term financial situations. This loan is not related to the student's financial aid award nor the direct expenses associated with attending Northwestern University. A student may obtain an emergency loan of up to $500.00 per quarter (regardless of their Student Account status), if they are:

• currently registered for a term in session.
• able to repay the loan within 60 days or by the end of the current term, whichever comes first.

To request an emergency loan, the student must visit The Graduate School Financial Aid Office (633 Clark St) or Student Financial Services (555 Clark St) and complete an emergency loan form. 

Cash Advances

Cash* advances are available to students who are currently registered for a term in session, whose loan funds have not yet been received.

• In order for loan funds to disburse to the Student Account, the student must be registered appropriately and, if a first-time borrower, have completed the entrance counseling, and signed their Master Promissory Note(s). The student should refer to their To Do List on CAESAR for any outstanding requirements. 
• If all loan requirements are completed by the priority dates, the loan funds should be available by the first day of classes each term. If the quarter has already begun, loan funds should be available within one to two weeks after all requirements are completed.

To see if loan funds were received, the student may check their Student Account on CAESAR at For Students > Financial Services > View My Account. If the Grand Totals line (at the top of the page) lists:

• a negative Account Balance, this indicates that there is actual credit on the Student Account. In this case, a cash advance is not needed and the student may request a refund.
• a positive Account Balance, and there is a positive amount under Total Anticipated Aid with a negative Adjusted Balance, this indicates that the loan funds have not yet been received.

Students may obtain a cash advance of up to $3,000 per day up to the total Adjusted Balance on their Student Account, if all their loan requirements are complete. (See To Do List on CAESAR for outstanding items.) To request a cash advance, the student must visit The Graduate School Financial Aid Office (633 Clark St) or Student Financial Services (555 Clark St) and complete a cash advance form.

*The maximum amount available in actual cash is $500.00. Any advance over $500.00 must be made by check or direct deposit.

Emergency loans and cash advances are not available before the start of the quarter or after the end of the term. If you have questions concerning your eligibility for an emergency loan or cash advance, please contact a Student Financial Services representative at gradfinaid@northwestern.edu or 847/491-8950 for further assistance.