Emergency Loans

Our emergency loan program can assist you with unexpected, short-term financial emergencies. This type of loan is not related to your financial aid award or to the direct costs associated with attending Northwestern University.

Apply for a short-term loan voucher in person with Cynthia Gonzalez in the Augusta Webster, MD, Office of Medical Education or at the Chicago Financial Aid Office. Another person cannot apply for/pick up a short-term loan on your behalf. Remember to bring your Northwestern University WildCARD when you apply.

You are entitled to one emergency loan per term with a maximum of $500, regardless of your account status with the University. You are eligible to receive a second emergency loan in an academic year (also with a $500 maximum) if all of the following conditions are met:

• Your first emergency loan has been fully repaid.
• Your tuition account has a zero balance.
• You are still enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
• Your academic year consists of at least two terms.

Emergency loans must be repaid within 60 days of receiving the funds or by the end of the academic year, whichever is first.