Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates?
June 22 - August 14, 2009* (*9 week intensive sequences in Biology and Chemistry end August 21)

How many sessions are offered at Northwestern during the summer?
There is only one Summer Session which includes courses that range from one to nine weeks in length.

When can I register?
Registrations will be accepted by mail, in person, or by fax from April 13 until June 22, 2009. Late registrations will be accepted, with a $75 late registration fee (for SCS and visiting students) from June 22-26.

Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes. Visiting students who wish to pay with a credit card simply complete the Credit Card Authorization section of the Visiting Student Registration Form. Prior to late registration, which begins June 22, students may register with a non-refundable tuition deposit of $250 per course and a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $50. The Office of Student Accounts will issue a bill for the balance due. The Office of Student Accounts does not accept VISA as a form of payment, and students will be charged a 2.75% processing fee for all credit card payments on the balance due. If you have questions regarding billing and payments on your balance due, please contact the Office of Students, 555 Clark Street, Evanston, Illinois 60208, 847-491-5224, www.northwestern.edu/sfs.

How much is tuition?
Tuition for visiting students will be $3,063 per course. Please see individual course listings for additional fees.

Where are classes held?
Almost all Summer Session classes are held on the Evanston or Chicago campuses, with a few meeting at our Loop and Schaumburg locations. Please see individual course listings for locations.

How do I know which courses I may take?
Summer Session is open enrollment which means that you may register for any courses you like - subject to prerequisites. Registration instructions are available here.

What are intensive course sequences?
Intensive course sequences are a great way to complete a year's worth of Arabic, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, French, German, Physics, or Spanish in just eight or nine weeks. Please see individual course listings for more information about dates and times for each sequence.

If I need a syllabus for the class I'd like to take, how can I get one?
Syllabi are not kept on file in the Summer Session office. Instructor contact information is available at the Northwestern University Directory: http://directory.northwestern.edu. If the instructor does not appear in the directory, please e-mail the Summer Session office at summernu@northwestern.edu, using the subject line "Instructor Contact Information Request."

Do I have to supply college transcripts?
Generally, no, except for Special Programs where indicated. Please read the admission and registration requirements of those programs carefully.

Will my credits transfer?
If you intend to transfer Summer Session credit to another college or university, be sure to check with the registrar or dean of that school to determine the amount of credit it will grant for courses taken at Northwestern. More information is available here.

Is financial aid available to visiting students?
While financial aid is not available from Northwestern University to visiting students, you should contact the financial aid office at your home institution for information about available aid. NU students should talk with their financial aid officer at Northwestern.

Are room and board available?
On-Campus housing is very limited during the 2009 Summer Session. As a result, priority is given to students who attend Northwestern during the academic year (fall thru spring). Northwestern students who will be enrolled in summer courses should contact the Undergraduate Housing Office after April 19 for information about summer on-campus housing and to download a housing application.

Visiting students should contact the Off-campus Housing Office, which maintains a listing of apartments and sublets in the vicinity of the university.

Meal plan options are available to both Northwestern and Summer Visiting students through Nu Cuisine. Summer rates for meal plans will be posted online after April 19 at www.northwestern.edu/nucuisine.