Cost of Attendance
The estimated cost of attendance is used to help guide your financial planning, determine financial aid eligibility, and offer federal loans to students applying for federal financial aid. It includes University direct charges such as tuition and fees, and variable expenses for books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, personal expenses, and housing and food.
Keep in mind that your actual costs may differ depending on your individual expenses, budget needs and financial planning. Learn more about financing your Medill education on our financial aid page. If there is need for additional expenses, students can request an adjustment to their cost of attendance budget based on special or unusual circumstances, please contact Associate Director of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Donna Su.
University direct charges
All students are charged tuition and fees for activity & graduate health services.
| Estimated total for four quarters for students who start in fall 2026 | |
| Tuition | $104,965 |
| Fees | $1,213 |
| Total direct charges | $106,178 |
Variable expenses
Actual amounts for the following items will vary depending on your needs, budgeting decisions and financial aid eligibility. The amounts listed are for four quarters.
| Books and supplies This may include expenses needed for books and supplies. |
$1,200 |
| Transportation This may include airline tickets and other related transportation costs for getting to/from campus as well as other expenses related to ground transportation. |
$2,064 |
| Student health insurance Domestic students can waive Northwestern's student health insurance plan (NU-SHIP) with proof of alternative health insurance. International students are required to purchase health insurance through Northwestern. Students who utilize NU-SHIP will be billed for a full year of health insurance in Fall Quarter 2024. After students graduate from the IMC program at the end of Fall Quarter 2025, they may request a prorated refund from NU-SHIP if they no longer require the insurance coverage. |
$6,215 |
| Housing and food This may include expenses related to housing on or off campus and expenses for meals. |
$29,412 |
| Federal student loan fees Fees charged when student loans disburse. Depending on your loan amount, your actual loan fees will vary. |
$2,300 |
| Personal expenses This may include other expenses not captured in the above listed categories related to students' individual needs. |
$3,780 |