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Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition 2023-2024

The tuition rate for the 2023-24 academic year is $4,037 per course unit (most courses are one course unit; student teaching is two units, and some courses are 0.5 units). Elementary Teaching candidates take a base of 15 units (40 semester hours) to complete the degree. At the 2023-24 tuition rate, this comes out to $60,555. Depending on your undergraduate background, additional content-area coursework may be required.

Fees and Other Costs

Transportation and Daytime Availability

Elementary Teaching students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the schools where they are placed for clinical experiences. Clinical experiences happen during the school day.

During the first year of the program, Elementary Teaching students can expect to have about 30 hours of clinical experience per quarter. In the second year of the program, this will increase: two full days per week in the engaged practicum (fall and spring), and five full days per week during student teaching (winter).

Technology

Elementary Teaching candidates are required to video record lessons during Practicum and Student Teaching at their school sites. Candidates are responsible for providing or procuring a video camera and video editing software. Most phones or tablets can record adequate video, and often schools are willing to let candidates borrow equipment from the school. Standard video editing software on any computer should suffice. The MSEd program will offer a list of suggested or minimum requirements for video, audio and software.

Licensure Tests and Portfolios

Elementary Teaching students must take a content area test through the Illinois Licensure Testing System. Fees vary based on the test; most are in the $125 to $150 range. The ILTS test selection page has specific information.

Fellowships

Each year the Master of Science in Education Program offers a limited number of fellowships. The number and value of such fellowships vary each year. For 2024-2025, these fellowships are valued at up to $15,000.

Since a limited number of awards are available, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the early application deadline to be considered for these awards.

Graduate Assistant Positions

Graduate assistants work part-time in the Master of Science and Education & Social Policy Program office. The graduate assistant position includes tuition remission for one course per quarter and a $2,400 quarterly stipend. Typically, a graduate assistant will serve for two years, including all quarters except for the student teaching term.

Scholarships and Fellowships Resources

There are many ways to finance your education. Contact Us or explore the resources below for additional information.

Student Loans

Most matriculated students are able to borrow up to their full cost of attendance, including tuition and a cost of living allowance. Low fixed interest rate federal student loans are available to matriculated students who are enrolled at least half-time (1.5 units per term) and are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Continued eligibility for federal student loans requires compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines.

Prospective matriculated students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) around the same time as completing their application for admission to determine their eligibility for federal student loans.

The FAFSA school code for Northwestern University is 001739.
Non-matriculated students and matriculated students registered for fewer than 1.5 units per quarter may be eligible for private or alternative loans.

Student loans for Master of Science in Education students are administered through the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid. Please visit the Graduate Financial Aid website for full details.

Student Loan Resources

Have Questions?

Empowering students to become the transformative educators our world needs today.

Phone Number
847-467-1458

Email
msedprogram@northwestern.edu

Address
618 Garrett Place
Evanston, IL 60208

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