If you read any financial prospectus, it will always say “Past performance is not an indicator of future results”. The Roman’s expressed it as “Caveat Emptor”…
However, I think it is worth pointing out that as the father of 2 recent NU alums, I wrote several “Special Circumstance” letters that resulted in a lowering of yearly attendance cost.
So, IMHO - You should contact Fin Aid Office. https://offices.northwestern.edu/detail/195 Good Luck!