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Under the Home School Tuition model, students studying abroad during the academic year remain enrolled as Northwestern students and pay Northwestern tuition rather than tuition charged by the host university or study abroad provider. Students continue making progress toward their Northwestern degree while receiving support from òòò½ÎÑ before, during, and after their time abroad. 

The Home School Tuition model allows students to earn Northwestern credit while studying abroad, maintain access to Northwestern financial aid and university resources, and choose among approved programs based on academic fit rather than differences in tuition cost. This approach is used by many of Northwestern’s peer institutions, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and Vanderbilt. The model helps students focus on educational value, academic goals, language learning opportunities, and cultural immersion rather than tuition price differences. 

The model applies to Northwestern-designed and faculty-led programs, approved partner programs, global practicum programs, and exchange programs during the Academic Year. Students remain enrolled as Northwestern students, receive approved transfer credit, and remain eligible for institutional financial aid consistent with University policies. 

Students participating in approved quarter-, semester- or year-long programs pay Northwestern tuition for the term abroad, plus the Study Abroad Administrative Fee and applicable international insurance fees. Summer costs depend on the program type. Students in Northwestern summer programs are billed differently than students participating in partner-provider summer programs. 

No. While tuition is standardized under the HST model, housing, meals, airfare, visas, transportation, books, and personal expenses vary significantly by destination and program. Students should compare the full program budget, not tuition alone. 

Northwestern tuition generally covers instructional costs, academic program fees tied to enrollment, and approved educational charges covered under institutional agreements. Students are generally responsible for housing, meals, airfare, passports and visas, transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses. 

No. For approved academic year programs, students pay Northwestern tuition and Northwestern pays the host institution or provider when applicable. Only summer partner programs will be billed directly by the provider. 

Students should expect a Study Abroad Administrative Fee and, when applicable, international insurance charges. In some cases, required program expenses may appear as pass-through charges on the student account. 

The fee supports advising, student support, program coordination, administration, health and safety oversight, and other services associated with Northwestern study abroad programs. 

Yes. Students participating in approved programs remain enrolled at Northwestern and typically maintain full-time status while abroad. 

Yes. Approved coursework completed abroad can be applied toward degree requirements through Northwestern academic approval processes. 

Students continue to have access to advising, Global Learning Office support, library resources, global safety assistance, health and safety support, emergency response services, and selected online university resources. 

Students receive support from their program provider and from òòò½ÎÑ offices responsible for student support, health and safety, and global security. The Global Learning Office’s pre-departure orientation and advising materials address these important topics. 

The model helps maintain access to financial aid and reduces the influence of tuition differences on program selection, allowing students to focus on academic fit and educational goals. 

No. Program placement and admission decisions are separate from the tuition model. Some programs may have limited capacity or additional admissions requirements. 

Applications are reviewed based on academic preparation, course planning, program fit, alignment with academic and professional goals, language preparation when relevant, and other application materials. 

 When capacity is limited, students without prior study abroad experience may receive higher consideration along with academic preparation and program fit.