Exploring the Costs of Northwestern University's MFT Program

For individuals aspiring to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree is often the first step. Northwestern University, through The Family Institute, offers such a program, combining evidence-based teaching and research in a collaborative environment. Understanding the costs associated with this program is crucial for prospective students. This article will delve into the various expenses involved, including tuition, fees, and other related costs, offering a comprehensive overview to aid in financial planning.

Tuition Expenses

Tuition is a significant component of the overall cost. At Northwestern University, tuition is billed on the first invoice for each quarter. The amount varies depending on the number of quarters a student has been enrolled.

For the academic year, the tuition structure is as follows:

Tuition (for 8 or fewer quarters): \$18,689 per quarter.
Tuition (for more than 8 quarters): \$4,672 per quarter.

It is important to note that tuition costs are subject to increase at the start of each academic year.

Mandatory Fees

Beyond tuition, students are required to pay certain fees that contribute to the overall cost of attendance. These fees support various services and resources provided by the university.

Read also: Northwestern University Tuition

Student Health Fee

The Student Health Fee is charged in the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. For graduate and professional students with regular access to on-campus health services, the fee is \$287 per quarter. This fee ensures equitable access to health services such as Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service, Counseling & Psychological Services, and TimelyCare services.

NU-SHIP Annual Premium

All degree-seeking students are required to have health insurance coverage. Students can either enroll in the Northwestern University/Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP) or provide proof of comparable coverage. Students who do not take action will be automatically enrolled in NU-SHIP, with an annual premium of \$5,919. Students enrolled in the Fall quarter will be billed for the annual premium amount in the Fall term (for coverage from Sept 1 through Aug 31). Students have the option to waive NU-SHIP via CAESAR if they have other comparable coverage.

The Family Institute Fee

The Family Institute Fee is \$215.

Technology Fee

There is one-time technology fee that covers the software license of an application for clinical tracking.

TGS U-Pass Transit Card Fee

The TGS U-Pass Transit Card Fee is \$125 per quarter. This fee provides unlimited rides on CTA trains and buses. It is optional for all full-time enrolled students, except for those enrolled in specific courses.

Other Potential Costs

While tuition and fees constitute the primary direct costs, students should also be aware of potential indirect costs.

Cost of Living

Cost of living allowances are based on estimates and represent the maximum values for determining your cost of attendance.

Loan Origination Fees

The Dept. of Education deducts origination fees from each federal student loan disbursement. These amounts represent the average quarterly loan fees for students in The Graduate School.

Continuous Registration Fee

512 Continuous Registration is a full time registration intended for students who are continuing to work in a full-time capacity toward degree completion at \$100/course.

Resident Master's Study Fee

588 Resident Master's Study is available to master's degree students who are receiving funding administered by the University at \$7,659/course.

Read also: Northwestern Kellogg Programs

Financial Aid Options

To help offset the costs, US citizens and permanent residents have multiple options for financial aid, including federal loans, grants, and program scholarships. Updates about the recently passed federal reconciliation bill can be found here.

Cost Comparison with Other Institutions

To provide a broader perspective, it's helpful to compare the costs of Northwestern's MFT program with those of other institutions offering similar programs in California:

Lower Cost Programs: Several California State University (CSU) programs offer significantly lower tuition rates, generally ranging from \$14,352 to \$25,116. Examples include CSU East Bay, San Bernardino, San Jose, San Francisco, Sonoma, Fresno, Long Beach, and Fullerton (Traditional Program).
Mid-Range Programs: A number of private and other public universities fall in the mid-range, with tuition costs between \$27,000 and \$50,700. Examples include Daybreak University, California Southern University, Fresno Pacific University, National University, Western Seminary, and California Lutheran University.
Higher Cost Programs: Several institutions have tuition costs comparable to or exceeding Northwestern's program. These include Alliant International University (Online and In-Person), Palo Alto University, Santa Clara University, Pacific Oaks College, and the University of San Francisco.

Here is a list of the costs of different universities:

CSU, East Bay (MFT Only) - \$14,352
CSU, San Bernardino - \$14,352
CSU, San Jose - \$14,352
CSU, San Francisco (M.S. in MFCC) - \$14,352
CSU, Sonoma - \$14,352
Rhombus University - \$15,000
CSU, Fresno - \$16,434
CSU, San Francisco (M.S. in Psychology) - \$16,812
CSU, East Bay (MFT/School Counseling) - \$17,940
CSU, Stanislaus - \$17,940
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt) - \$18,588
CSU, Long Beach - \$19,568
CSU, San Diego - \$19,678
CSU, Dominguez Hills - \$20,736
CSU, Northridge - \$20,924
CSU, Chico - \$21,500
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) - \$21,528
CSU, Bakersfield - \$21,528
CSU, East Bay (MFT/School Psychology) - \$21,528
CSU, Sacramento - \$21,528
CSU, Los Angeles - \$24,380
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) - \$24,924
CSU, Fullerton (Traditional Program) - \$25,116
Daybreak University - \$27,000
California Southern University - \$32,700
Cambridge College - \$34,020
Fresno Pacific University - \$35,750
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences - \$36,000
Touro University Worldwide - \$36,000
CSU, Fullerton (Evening Program) - \$39,375
Hope International University (MSC) - \$39,650
National University - \$39,780
William Jessup University - \$41,580
University of Phoenix - \$41,880
Simpson University - \$42,160
University of the West - \$42,462
Hope International University (MAMFT) - \$43,500
Western Seminary - \$43,807
California Baptist University - \$46,920
UMass Global (formerly Brandman University) - \$46,920
Southern California Seminary - \$47,466
Vanguard University of Southern California - \$48,495
Fuller Theological Seminary - \$48,640
Point Loma Nazarene University - \$49,770
Biola University - \$50,250
Western Institute for Social Research - \$50,400
California Lutheran University - \$50,700
University of LaVerne - \$53,070
Azusa Pacific University - \$54,180
Phillips Education Center of Campbellsville University - \$56,400
Alliant International University (Online) - \$57,000
Northcentral University - \$57,605
Palo Alto University - \$57,939
Sofia University - \$58,500
Weimar University - \$59,000
Notre Dame de Namur University - \$59,880
Dominican University of California - \$60,417
Santa Clara University - \$61, 290
Antioch University (Santa Barbara) - \$61,680
Meridian University - \$62,192
Pacifica Graduate Institute - \$62,500
Holy Names University - \$63,189
Golden Gate University - \$65,400
Mount St. Mary's University - \$66,480
Sentio University - \$67,200
The Wright Institute - \$67,800
Pacific Oaks College - \$69,000
Antioch University (Los Angeles) - \$69,888
Antioch University (Low Residency) - \$69,888
La Sierra University - \$70,800
Alliant International University (In-Person) - \$73,500
California Institute of Integral Studies - \$74,520
University of San Francisco - \$75,000

Program Highlights

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Northwestern University combines evidence-based teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that fosters clinical excellence. Northwestern faculty comprises active practitioners who are leaders within prominent national, international, and state-level professional organizations, including the American Association for Marriage and Family. Additionally, Northwestern faculty helped develop the integrative systemic therapeutic (IST) model, valuing client participation in developing therapy plans and providing tools to systematically address complex factors. As a student, you will attend one immersive experience and complete 400 hours of clinical fieldworkâ100 of which are relational hoursâat a site near your community.

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