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Transcripts

A transcript is a comprehensive, chronological record of courses, grades, credits, GPA and Northwestern University degrees earned.  Official transcripts may only be released with written permission of the student, except in specific circumstances.  Official transcripts bear the seal of the University.

Ordering Transcripts

Current students* can order transcripts via CAESAR.

Alumni and former students^ can order transcripts via Parchment.

*All programs except the Doctor of Physical Therapy program; such students and alumni should contact the program directly.

^All programs except the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Prosthetics/Orthotics certificate programs; such students and alumni should contact the programs directly.

Alternatively, transcript orders for programs supported by the Office of the Registrar may be placed via mail or fax using the Transcript Request form.

Transcript Fees and Processing Time

Fees and delivery options differ depending upon the records office issuing the document.  The table below reflects options for documents issued by the Office of the Registrar (see list of programs and links for other units’ policies here).

Transcript Fees
Electronic PDF $8 per transcript Delivered electronically
Paper – mailed $10 + $2.50 domestic mail fee /$5.25 international mail fee per transcript Processed and mailed within 1 – 3 business days
Paper – pickup at the Office of the Registrar $10 per transcript Processed and available for pickup within 1 – 3 business days.  Transcripts left more than 30 days at the Office of the Registrar will be mailed to the requestor at the address in the transcript ordering system.

Delivery Options

Electronic PDF – delivered via email to specified recipient, typically between 2 and 24 hours, excluding during times of scheduled system maintenance; verify with the recipient that electronic PDF is acceptable before placing your order.  Ensure also that recipients’ email accounts will accept messages from noreply@addsmail.com, and plan to check Junk folders for errant messages.  The ordering service will send email notification when transcripts are available for download.  A maximum of 3 downloads per transcript is allowed, for a maximum time frame of 30 days from the date of issue.

Paper mail – mailed using standard delivery through the U.S. Postal Service.  Included in the order cost is a $2.50 mailing fee per transcript sent to U.S. destinations and a $5.25 mailing fee per transcript sent to international destinations.  Express shipping is available via FedEx for an additional cost of $30.00 per transcript for U.S. destinations and $55.00 per transcript for international destinations.

Paper pickup – processed and available for pickup within 1 – 3 business days.  Immediate service is available for an additional $15 processing fee per order.

Support – Contact us at (847) 467-0760 or nu-transcripts@northwestern.edu.

Notarize and Apostille

Notarization of the transcript is verification that the document and the signatures attached to it are authentic. 

Apostille of a transcript for use in a foreign country: for information see the Illinois Secretary of State website. The Secretary of State accepts apostille applications from any requester. As a courtesy, the Office of the Registrar can notarize and forward your transcript to the State.

In addition to ordering a paper transcript payment, you must send to us:

  • Apostille Application form from the Secretary of State website
  • Two dollars ($2) per transcripts, check payable to Secretary of State
  • A pre-paid & addressed return envelope. The State - not Northwestern - will process the check and send the apostille and transcript to the address on your return envelope. Apostille payment cannot be combined with transcript payment. Apostille processing time is separate from and in addition to transcript processing time. Further questions regarding apostilles must be directed to the IL Secretary of State Index Department.

FAQs

How can I place a transcript order?

All students are encouraged to place their transcript order online through Parchment. This is the easiest and most efficient way to place an order for either a traditional paper transcript or electronic transcript delivery.

Can I request an unofficial transcript?

Northwestern University does not issue unofficial transcripts. Current students can view their unofficial transcripts through CAESAR.

I am a former student trying to create an account on Parchment. Parchment is telling me I already have an account, but I don’t recall creating one.

If you do not remember creating an account, please give us a call at 847-467-0760 to assist with account look up.

I have a form that needs to be attached to my transcript. How can I get the form sent to you?

When placing the order online through Parchment, you have the option to upload additional forms to be attached to the transcript order.

I just graduated.  Can I still order a transcript through CAESAR?

After you graduate (separation from NU) you should still have access to CAESAR for approximately 6 months. If you can’t remember your NETID and password, use this link https://www.it.northwestern.edu/netid/index.html

What is the difference between an eTranscript- post-2000 and eTranscript pre-2000

eTranscript-post 2000- Current and former students who attended from August 2000 to present.

eTranscript pre-2000 – Former students who were enrolled or graduated prior to July 2000.

Can FedEx deliver to a PO box?

No. FedEx requires a physical address for delivery. PO Box address is not acceptable.

I have hold on my transcript. Can I order a transcript?

No. Students and alumni cannot request transcripts if they have a transcript hold.

Can I get a refund after I place my transcript order?

No refunds will be issued once the order has been submitted.