The MS in Education Program would like to help you fund your graduate education. Through a combination of loans, fellowships and assistantships, most students can pay for their MSEd degree, including the cost of living.

Master of Science in Education Fellowships

Each year the Master of Science in Education Program offers a number of fellowships to the most academically competitive applicants. The number and value of such fellowships vary each year. For 2022-23, these fellowships are valued at up to $50,000. 

The Master of Science in Education Program offers both departmental fellowships, which are funded directly by the program, and sponsored fellowships, which are funded by donors to the School of Education and Social Policy. Many sponsored fellowships are targeted toward a specific type of applicant (for instance, elementary teachers, teachers committed to teaching in Chicago or science teachers). Past sponsored fellowships include:

• Marjorie Gosselin Fitzgerald Fellowship (elementary teachers only)
• Kappa Kappa Gamma Fellowship (elementary teachers only)
• Carol W. Keenan Fellowship
• Mary Lou and John Scott Fellowship (NU-TEACH completers and teacher leadership candidates only)

There is no separate application for these fellowships. To be considered for a partial tuition fellowship,  indicate your interest in the "Financial Aid and Awards" section of the online application. 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.

Master of Science in Education Graduate Assistant Positions

Master of Science in Education graduate assistants work part-time in the program office. Up to three graduate assistant positions are awarded each fall to academically competitive applicants.

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. Because the value of the award depends on the tuition rate, it will change slightly each year. In the 2022-23 academic year, the total value of the award (for all four quarters) is $25,432.

• Tuition scholarship: $15,832
• Stipend: $9,600

Graduate assistant duties generally include the following:

• General office work, including answering phones and making copies
• Periodic involvement with faculty/staff in special projects/emphases
• Other tasks as deemed necessary by department administrators

There is no separate application for the graduate assistant positions, but an interview is required. To be considered for a graduate assistant position, please indicate your interest in the "Financial Aid and Awards" section of the online application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the early application deadline to be considered for this award.

Other Fellowships and Grants

Fellowships and grants are also available from sources outside the MSEd Program.

Northwestern Alumnae Scholarship

The Alumnae of Northwestern University offers the Alumnae Graduate Fellowship (AGF) to Northwestern alumni (those who earned their undergraduate degree at Northwestern University), preferably females, who show promise of achieving distinction in their field and bringing credit to the University. The award is valued at up to $20,000.

Award criteria include quality of scholarship, leadership, community service, professional experience, and financial need. Special consideration is given to students who plan to pursue a career that serves the public good.

To be eligible, applicants must be admitted as full-time students to a terminal master's degree program at Northwestern. The deadline to apply is typically in April. The application is available through the Fellowship Office from January through April.

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 (two courses 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.

Non-matriculated students and matriculated students registered for fewer than two courses per quarter may be eligible for private or alternative loans. Additional information about private and alternative loans is available at the Northwestern Student Financial Services website

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. Students may not receive their student loan offer at the same time as their scholarship and awards offer.