@Crimsonstained “First off, financial aid is pretty decent. Super mediocre. However, there are plenty of people for whom Northwestern is similarly priced to other schools, especially if you aren’t ED, which can bring down the financial aid.”
While it is true that a financial aid applicant has a possibility of getting a better financial aid package if they apply RD and compare packages, NU treats ED and RD applicants the same in terms of awarding financial aid:
“If you’re applying for financial aid, we use the same need-based process for financial aid awards for early decision and regular decision; your aid package will be the same regardless of when you apply.”
http://ugadm.northwestern.edu/apply/tips-for-applying.html#EDRD
I know ED students who have found their financial aid packages to be very fair. Also, the chart on the following page, displaying percentage of students awarded scholarships and the average scholarship amount by family income levels, might be useful:
http://ugadm.northwestern.edu/financial-aid/aid-overview-and-financing-options.html