Summer Session FAQs
What are the Summer Session dates?
Monday June 23–August 31, 2025, although there are various session dates within Summer Session, ranging from two to ten weeks, and many courses meet outside of these dates. Please see individual course listings for specific dates.
When can I register?
Registration opens April 7, 2025 and continues through June 20, 2025. The Change of Registration Period is from June 23–27, 2025. Please note: this is the only registration period for Summer Session - EVEN for courses that begin later in the summer and all intensive sequence courses, so be sure to register during the dates listed here. Registration for summer classes closes after June 20.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes. MasterCard, Discover and Visa are accepted. Current Northwestern students: You can pay your tuition using a credit card through CAESAR.
How much is tuition?
Undergraduate tuition is $5,597 per course/unit of credit. Please see individual course listings or the Tuition and Fees page for additional fees.
How do I change my schedule by adding or dropping a course?
Northwestern University students can drop or add a class in CAESAR. Please see the detailed instructions, including the tuition refund schedule, on the Changes in Registration page. You cannot change your registration over the phone or through email.
PLEASE NOTE: Summer Session is billed per class, which is different than fall, winter, and spring. This creates different policies regarding drop and withdrawal dates and how this might affect your tuition refund. BE SURE you understand the drop/withdrawal policies for summer, including how a drop could affect your financial aid.
Information can be found on the Registrar's Office website.
Information can also be found on the Student Finance website.
Information can also be found on the Financial Aid website.
How do I know which courses I may take?
Summer Session is open enrollment. This means that you may register for any courses you like, but prerequisites may apply. Also note that Northwestern students must get permission from their Dean to take classes offered through the School of Professional Studies. These classes are designated with a -CN or -DL. Please visit the Registration page for details.
What are intensive course sequences?
Intensive course sequences are a great way to complete a year's worth of Chemistry, Physics, and some languages in just 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. If the instructor does not appear in the directory, please email the Summer Session office at summernu@northwestern.edu, using the subject line "Instructor Contact Information Request."
How do I find textbook information for a class?
The Northwestern bookstores will have information on class textbooks. You may also reach out to the instructor or the academic department.
Is financial aid available?
Northwestern University students should contact their financial aid adviser.
Are room and board available?
On-campus housing is very limited during Summer Session. For this reason, assignment priority will be given only to those students registered in a Summer Session program sponsored by Northwestern University, including Dance and Music Master Classes as well as Music Masters Students. Should additional rooms be available, they will be offered to students completing research projects with professors at Northwestern University. Unfortunately, housing accommodations cannot be made for individuals who will not be affiliated with Northwestern University during the summer.
Students who will be enrolled in summer courses should contact the Undergraduate Housing Office after April 30 for information about summer on-campus housing and to submit an online housing application.
Students may also contact the Off-campus Housing Office, which maintains a listing of web links that advertise off-campus apartments to rent or sub-lease.
Meal plan options are available to both Northwestern and Summer Visiting students through Northwestern Dining. Summer rates for meal plans will be posted online after April 30.
For additional information, contact the Office of the Summer Session at 847-491-3443. or summernu@northwestern.edu.