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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.

University direct charges

All students are charged tuition and an activity fee.

Total for Four Quarters Based on the 2022-2023 budget
Tuition $69,932
Activity fee $1,484
Health services fee $780
Total direct charges $72,196

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.

Variable Expenses
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(es) as well as other expenses related to ground transportation beyond the CTA pass distributed by Medill.
$2,000
Student health insurance
Domestic students can waive Northwestern's student health insurance plan with proof of alternative health insurance. International students are required to purchase health insurance through Northwestern.
$4,605
Housing and food
This may include expenses related to housing on or off campus and expenses for meals.
$22,800
Loan fees
Fees are charged when student loans disburse. Depending on your loan amount, your actual loan fees will vary.
$2,100
Personal expenses
This may include other expenses not captured in the above listed categories related to students’ individual needs.
$6,000