Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates?
June 23 - August 16, 2008* (*9 week intensive sequences in Biology and Chemistry end August 22)

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 14 until June 21, 2008. Late registrations will be accepted, with a $75 late registration fee (for SCS and visiting students) from June 23-27.

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 (PDF Format). Prior to late registration, which begins June 23, students may register with a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $250 per course and a one-time, nonrefundable registration fee of $50.

How much is tuition?
Tuition for visiting students will be $2,922 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 - Visiting Student Registration Form (PDF Format).

What are intensive course sequences?
Intensive course sequences are a great way to complete a year's worth of Arabic, Biology, Chemistry, 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.

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 2008 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 20 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 20 at www.northwestern.edu/nucuisine.