August 2026 Graduate/Professional Newsletter
Important Dates
| Date | |
|---|---|
| Aug. 9 | Bills emailed by Student Financial Services |
| Aug. 24 | Financial aid applied to bill by this date |
| Aug. 27 | Initial fall refunds issued |
| Aug. 31 | First day of classes |
| Aug. 31 | Bill due date |
| Sept. 21 | Drop/add deadline for classes and financial aid |
| Sept. 28 | September stipend payment |
| Oct. 26 | October stipend payment |
| Nov. 23 | November stipend payment |
| Dec. 11 | December stipend payment |
Set Up Direct Deposit
Set up Direct Deposit to access your money as soon as it is available.
What Graduate Students Need To Know About Financial Aid
New! Your borrowing is closely linked to your enrollment. Loans may be reduced for part-time enrollment. Learn more about this and other federal aid changes on the Key Information for Financial Aid webpage.
As the fall semester begins, learn more about managing your aid with:
- Steps to ensure you receive your fall aid
- Tips on understanding your student bill
- Understanding the impact of your enrollment decisions on your funding
Loan Changes: What To Expect in 2026-27 and Beyond
The 2025 federal budget reconciliation bill made significant changes to graduate and professional student borrowing options. Learn more about:
- Special loan rules for current borrowers
- New loan limits that may impact you
- The Graduate PLUS program and who may still be able to borrow
- Private educational borrowing options
Fellowships, GSRA/GSI Funding, and Financial Aid
If you receive funding from your department or school/college, it is important OFA has that information as well. Graduate and professional programs award their own funding and generally report that information to OFA as a last step in the process. If you are borrowing loans and your departmental funding has not been reported, you could receive loan refunds you are ineligible to keep.
Appeals and Emergency Assistance
Unexpected financial challenges can affect your ability to pay for college. If this happens, reach out to the U-M Office of Financial Aid. We can help you understand what options may be available.
When Your Cost of Attendance Isn't Enough
Understanding all the factors that comprise the Cost of Attendance calculation will help you better understand the aid you can expect to receive and your options if it isn't enough.