Information for Entering Students & Their Families

The University of Michigan uses two financial aid applications to create your financial aid offer: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. If we have ESTIMATED your financial aid eligibility for your first academic year (fall and winter terms) at the University of Michigan, it is based on the information provided on your CSS Profile financial aid application.

We may need additional information from you to confirm or adjust this estimate before sending you an Official Financial Aid Notice. If additional information is required, you will receive an email from our office with details. You can also view what we need on Wolverine Access. If you do not have a uniqname see “Using Wolverine Access” below.

There are several ways to send these additional documents:

• Document upload through your U-M Student Forms portal 
• Mail them to us via U.S. Postal Service:
  University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid
  2500 Student Activities Bldg.
  515 E. Jefferson St.
  Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1316
• Fax them to 734-647-3081

Please do not email any documents, as this is not a secure way to send sensitive information. 

Submit these documents even if you are not sure that you will attend U-M so that your financial aid eligibility can be determined.

We will review your documents within three to four weeks and notify you by email when your Official Financial Aid Notice is available to view, and you will also be able to access it on Wolverine Access.

Your actual financial aid will be based on your Official Financial Aid Notice, not on your estimate.

Find Your Documents and Additional Tasks

U-M’s password-protected website, Wolverine Access, allows you to view your U-M information, including Financial Aid Notices and a list of other needed tasks. Learn more about signing in on our Logging Into Wolverine Access webpage.

Differences Between Estimated and Official Financial Aid Notices

The Official Financial Aid Notice may differ from your Estimated Financial Aid Notice. Listed below are some of the most common reasons for adjustments between Estimated and Official Financial Aid Notices.

• Submitting Additional Documents: If we do not receive your additional requested documents grant funding will be limited or not be available. Submitting all requested information as soon as possible ensures that you will receive full consideration for all financial aid programs.
• Verification: Sometimes we need additional documentation to confirm the information reported on your aid applications. This process is called verification. Verification tasks may ask for additional income documentation, family size information, or other documentation to confirm your aid application data. We also use reported interest and dividend income to verify the value of assets reported on your application. We may request federal tax returns or additional financial information.
• Family Size & Number of Siblings in College: When calculating a student’s financial need for U-M grants, we give credit for each sibling enrolled at least half-time in a college program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate. High school siblings and parents attending college are not included in this calculation.
• Additional Assistance: According to federal regulations and university policies, private scholarships must be counted as resources in considering need-based aid eligibility. Report these resources through Wolverine Access (“View/Report Additional Aid” tab under Student Center).

Comparing Aid Offers From Different Schools

Cost is only one reason to choose one college over another. If you receive financial aid offers from more than one school, compare them to see which offer is most beneficial to you.

1. Cost of Attendance (Budget)

What types of expenses are included? Categories should be similar at all schools and should cover at least the basics of tuition/fees, housing/meals, local transportation, and books. U-M also includes personal/miscellaneous expenses in its budget. Verify whether the types of expenses you expect are included and whether estimates seem reasonable. View typical U-M costs online.

2. Types and Amounts of Aid Offered 

Your family's net price is an important cost to compare. What is your net price if using all scholarships and grants offered? What is your net price if you also utilize student employment and loans offered? Will additional borrowing be necessary? These are all important questions to ask as you compare different financial aid offers.

• Compare the percentage of grants and the percentage of loans to the cost of attendance. The more grants offered, the better. Also look at interest rates and repayment terms on loans.
• The bottom line: Subtract Gift Aid (scholarships/grants) given from the cost of attendance. This will show what you and your family will need to pay or borrow. To view an estimate of your U-M fall term student bill or how much you can borrow, select Financial Aid Planning Calculators in Wolverine Access.

Aid Awarding Policies

The financial aid process is regulated by federal law and institutional policies, which help colleges distribute financial aid equitably. Following is information to help newly admitted students and families who have questions about the process.

A Note About Scholarships and Other Resources

Students are encouraged to seek private scholarships and may get help from U-M schools and colleges to meet their college costs. They may also use other resources, such as 529 education savings plans, housing, and employers’ education benefits. These are counted as financial resources when determining need-based aid eligibility and enhance your aid offer by assisting with unmet financial needs. In general, if you receive outside aid (including scholarships from U-M schools and colleges):

• It is first applied against any gaps between your calculated need (i.e., the cost of attendance minus the federally calculated Student Aid Index (SAI)) and the other aid that you are offered. Outside aid can fill in those gaps, but it will not reduce or replace the federally calculated SAI. The SAI indicates the least amount a student and family should be able to contribute towards costs as determined by Federal Student Aid.
• Next, it reduces your loan or Federal Work-Study funding, reducing funds you must borrow or earn by working.
• Your grant aid will only be reduced if gaps in your need are filled and if all need-based loan and Federal Work-Study are replaced by scholarships or other resources.

Some important exceptions to this rule:

• Some Office of Financial Aid scholarships are awarded based on student need. This may reduce your University of Michigan Grant, but your total aid should remain the same or be higher.
• Your tuition and fees can only be covered up to 100%. Receiving a full-tuition scholarship such as Detroit Promise reduces your eligibility for the university-funded Jean Fairfax, Wolverine Pathways Scholarships, and the Go Blue Grant.

To treat students with comparable circumstances equitably, we may limit university grant and scholarship aid. If you receive grants and/or scholarships exceeding your financial aid eligibility, and they include financial aid from any university source, your university grants/scholarships may be adjusted to equal your cost of attendance.

Use of Professional Judgment

Evaluation of financial aid applications, reevaluation of an aid package, or an appeal of a financial aid decision are handled through a review process using professional judgment by financial aid professionals in our office. Any request to our office is considered using best professional practices, and making such a request does not guarantee approval. Financial aid regulations are subject to change through legislation or policy changes by the U.S. Department of Education.

Learn about more unique circumstances:

• Special Circumstances Impacting Financial Resources
• Unusual Circumstances Impacting Reporting of Parental Data

It is likely that you will receive similar financial aid offers throughout your undergraduate years if:

• Eligibility for the scholarship(s) or financial aid you receive is not limited to your first year.
• Your family’s financial situation does not change. Changes in parents’ income or marital status will affect your eligibility.
• Federal, state, and institutional funding of financial aid programs does not change.
• You submit the appropriate application materials by the required deadlines each year.
• You provide accurate information (income, assets, etc.) on all application materials.
• You continue to meet enrollment level and Satisfactory Academic Progress(SAP) requirements.

University of Michigan Scholarship Programs

We administer a variety of scholarship programs that recognize superior academic achievement, leadership qualities, and potential contribution to the scholarly community of the university. Some scholarships are based on financial need and others reflect the university’s commitment to achieving a diverse student body.

During the admissions process, all first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for most scholarships, including those offered by U-M schools and colleges. Those requiring an additional application are noted.

To be considered for need-based scholarships, you must also apply for financial aid. If you are selected for a university scholarship, you will be notified in writing by mid-April.

Students should also log in to Wolverine Access and complete a scholarship profile to be considered for all possible scholarships. (Select the My Scholarship Profile link in the Campus Finances section of Wolverine Access.) Update your scholarship profile regularly while attending U-M.

Private Scholarships

Scholarships from outside organizations are an important resource for many U-M students, especially first-year students. Most sponsors want to direct their funds to students with whom they have a connection, either now or in the future. Some great places to begin your search in the local community include:

• Postings, flyers, or information at your high school counseling office
• A parent or guardian’s employer
• Your place of religious worship
• Social, professional, and fraternal organizations
• Your public or high school library
• Local University of Michigan Alumni Clubs
• Office of Financial Aid website for a listing of free scholarship searches

Scholarships Beyond the First Year

The university’s schools and colleges administer scholarship programs for continuing students who have completed at least one term of enrollment at the university. These scholarships may be based on need and/or merit. Students must apply for these scholarships directly. Contact the scholarship or academic advising office of your school or college for scholar­ship applications after your first term of enrollment.

For LSA Scholarships, visit their website.

For Engineering Scholarships, visit their website.

Receiving Private Scholarship Checks

If your scholarship sponsor sends a check directly to you, follow the instructions below to make sure it is applied to your university student account. Send checks to:

University of Michigan
Office of Financial Aid-Scholarship Unit
2500 Student Activities Building
515 E. Jefferson St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316

• If the provider makes the check payable to U-M and sends it to you, submit it to our office for processing.
• If the provider makes the check co-payable to you and U-M, endorse the check and submit it to our office.
• If the provider makes the check payable to you, report this resource to us and apply any funds necessary to your university student account.

What About Nonresident Students?

Nonresident students should investigate grants and scholarships offered through their home states; visit the Education Resource Organizations Directory.

Scholarship Searches

Investigate any scholarship search firm thoroughly. We do not recommend scholarship search firms that charge fees.

We offer a suggested list of free scholarship search engines on our website. Visit our Scholarships webpage and see Step 5 > Private Scholarships.

The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be wary of money-back guarantees and companies promising scholarships before they receive your application.

If you receive a private scholarship, notify our office if it is not listed on your Financial Aid Notice.

We award financial aid based on standard cost of attendance budgets. These budgets reflect modest, but adequate, expense patterns of U-M students based on research conducted by our office. While individual expenses vary based on lifestyle, estimated costs are helpful in budget planning.

For more information, see our Estimating Costs webpage.

A basic premise governing need-based financial aid programs is that families are primarily responsible for paying for college. Students should help pay for college as they are able. Employment, during the academic year and over the summer, can contribute to the student’s available financial resources.

Because of U-M’s academic reputation, many families assume it is unwise for students to work. However, studies show that students who work a modest number of hours per week — no more than 15 — will, on average:

• Have higher grade point averages.
• Graduate sooner.
• Be less likely to drop out than students who do not work.

Why?

Some possible explanations:

• Working students become better organized and manage their time better.
• Employment exposes students to more mentor relationships and increases their interactions with “real world” people.
• Employment provides financial resources to help meet college costs.

Students who work also gain important job skills to include on their résumés.

Federal Work-Study Employment

Federal Work-Study allows students to work part-time in college and earn a paycheck to help defray college costs. Only students awarded Federal Work-Study can apply for these jobs.

Students must apply for financial aid to be considered for Federal Work-Study. Employers qualify for the program under federal guidelines, and Federal Work-Study is offered to students with financial need.

If you have Federal Work-Study on your Financial Aid Notice, you qualify to interview for and obtain Federal Work-Study jobs listed with the Student Employment Office.

To obtain a Federal Work-Study job, review job listings and contact the employers directly for interviews. Print a copy of your Financial Aid Notice from Wolverine Access, which documents your Federal Work-Study funding, and show it to your employer. You will also need proof that you are enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Work-Study students are some of the most highly sought-after employees because federal funding covers a large portion of their wages, while the employers (university departments or nonprofit organizations) pay the remaining amount.

Federal Work-Study students are encouraged to seek approved community service jobs, especially literacy tutoring programs in schools, libraries, and social service agencies. See the Student Employment Office website for a listing of these jobs.

The chart below shows how a student working a modest number of hours per week can earn basic Federal Work-Study funding amounts during the academic year (approximately 30 weeks). The rate of pay is based on the current average hourly rate at the university for temporary employment positions.

To Work on the U-M Ann Arbor Campus

You must be registered as a student and complete the U-M Student Temporary Employment Application located on the Student Business menu in Wolverine Access . Be prepared to complete other required employment forms, including the I-9, direct deposit authorization, and W-4. Questions should be directed to the U-M Shared Services Center at 734-615-2000 or email [email protected].

Temporary or Part-Time Jobs

Students who are not eligible for Federal Work-Study can still find jobs. U-M and the Ann Arbor communities have an active employment market. University Housing, for example, is always in search of good employees and is just one of the many departments employing students. See the Student Employment Office website for job listings.

Summer Employment

Summer is an ideal time to work and save for the coming year’s expenses. Working and saving during the summer can reduce the need to borrow or work during the academic year.

If you live away from home during the summer, your living expenses will reduce the amount you can save from your earnings.

Federal Direct Subsidized vs. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a need-based loan, while the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not. Students borrowing a Direct Subsidized Loan are not assessed interest while enrolled at least half-time. Students borrowing an Direct Unsubsidized Loan are assessed interest while enrolled in school, but interest is typically deferred until loan repayment begins. A student may request to pay the interest while enrolled, which will result in lower loan payments and a lower long-term cost for the loan. Apply for financial aid to be considered for these loans.

Borrow Only What You Absolutely Need

Some borrowing may be necessary and will help you pay for college. We ask all U-M students to consider options that could reduce the need for loans and borrow only what is necessary to achieve the goal of a U-M college education:

• Use personal or family assets when possible before considering a loan.
• Consider the U-M Payment Plan for fall/winter, which helps families spread costs over five months for each semester.
• Consider part-time employment to stretch your dollars without borrowing.
• Review your lifestyle choices and expenses for ways to trim costs.

For more tips, visit our Smart Borrowing webpage.

Federal Parent Loan

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan assists families who are not eligible for other types of aid, who have remaining financial need after other forms of aid are awarded, or who are not eligible to receive need-based aid. The borrower is a parent of a dependent undergraduate student. The maximum that can be borrowed each year is a student’s cost of attendance minus all other financial aid awarded.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan eligibility example:

Information about the Federal Direct PLUS Loan will be available from the Office of Financial Aid in early spring for the upcoming academic year. Contact our office at that time if you are interested in applying for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

A separate online application is required for these loans and parents must reapply each year.

How Much Can You Borrow?

To find out how much Federal Direct PLUS or private loan funding you need to borrow, visit Wolverine Access > Financial Planning Calculators > Calculate Alternative/PLUS Loan Eligibility.

Private Loans

If you have considered all options and need additional financing to meet your educational costs, visit our site for information about private loans. Apply for these separately and compare loan terms and repayment options with the Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

A Caution To Private Loan Borrowers

U-M students should avoid lenders that do not require U-M certification of their loan programs and should be suspicious of unsolicited loan offers.

The Michigan Student Financial Aid Association Cautions Students That:

“Loan debt can accumulate quickly and result in a lifetime burden of high payments and credit denials for automobile purchases, credit cards, and home mortgages. Private loans also can reduce eligibility for more desirable federal, state, and college aid programs. To avoid these problems, read and understand the terms and conditions of all loans.”

Evaluate Each Borrowing Option Based Upon Your Personal Needs

Remember: What you borrow today you must pay back later – with interest.

Your student billing account is administered by U-M Office of Student Financial Services. An overview of the account and eBilling system is provided below:

• When you are admitted to the university, a student billing account is established. Charges for university services are posted to this account.
• An eBill notification is sent to your U-M email account mid-month for each billing period directing you to Wolverine Access to view/print your eBill. Use a U-M uniqname and password or Friend Account to log in.
• You can authorize a Friend Account for your parents, allowing them to view/ print your eBill on Wolverine Access.
• Charges are due on the date indicated on your eBill. Student Financial Services offers a U-M Payment Plan, allowing families to pay in installments.

Financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans administered by the university) is applied directly to the charges on your student billing account, usually during the first month of the term. Charges such as lost ID cards are not covered by financial aid, and some aid can only be applied to tuition. You are responsible for paying any balances from the current terms or previous terms.

Additional aid, such as private scholarships sent to the university in your name, will also be directly applied to your account. If you receive more aid than the charges incurred, you may receive a financial aid refund.

Note that Federal Work-Study is not reflected on your bill because Federal Work-Study funds are earned by work­ing and receiving paychecks.

To see what your U-M term bill will look like or get an estimate of how much you may borrow, use the financial planning calculators in Wolverine Access.

Financial Aid Tips

• All communications with an individual other than the student will require authorization to conduct business on the Parent/Family Authorization page, found on the Wolverine Access student portal.
• Read emails sent to you by our office. Add [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] to your email address book to ensure you receive our messages.
• Share information with your parents. Authorize a Friend Account and sign them up for financial aid e-newsletters and information.
• Keep track of calls, correspondence, and emails to our office and make note of whom you speak with.
• Keep a file of all of your financial aid records and information.
• Notify us immediately of changes in your family’s finances, if you drop below half-time, or any other situation that might affect your aid package.
• Include your name and eight-digit U-M ID number on all documents you submit or when calling our office.
• If you have questions, call us at 734-763-6600. We are happy to help!

As You Begin College

1. Have money on hand for books and other expenses when you first arrive on campus.
2. If you have Federal Work-Study, be aware that it may take up to one month to receive your first paycheck.

Financial Aid Calculators:

• U-M Net Price Calculator
• Financial Aid Estimation Calculator, College Cost Projector, and others
• Student Aid Index (SAI) Estimator
• Estimate loan eligibility: Wolverine Access (Campus Finances > Financial Planning Calculator)

Scholarship Search Services & Information:

• College Board’s Scholarship Search
• Appily
• CollegeScholarships.com 
• Fastweb Scholarships
• Scholarships.com
• Scholarship America

Students sometimes find it necessary to withdraw from all classes during a semester. Depending on the timing of the withdrawal and the last date of class participation, students may receive a refund of all or part of tuition and fees.

 If the student is a financial aid recipient, the university and student may be required to return the aid, or a portion of it, to the federal government, and institutional aid may also be reduced.

Tuition Refund Policy

The university has a tuition refund policy stipulating the amount of tuition and fees refunded to a student who withdraws from all classes during a term. The Registrar’s Office determines specific refund dates each term. Search the Registrar's Office Registration Deadlines calendar for your term. 

The chart below shows the amount of tuition and fees returned based on when the student withdraws. Notify the Registrar’s Office immediately if you withdraw. 

All mailing addresses include:
University of Michigan 
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Office of Financial Aid

2500 Student Activities Bldg
Phone: 734-763-6600 
Fax: 734-647-3081 
Email: [email protected]

Student Financial Services

2226 Student Activities Bldg 
Phone: 734-764-7447 or 1-877-840-4738 
Email: [email protected]

Student Employment

2500 Student Activities Bldg 
Phone: 734-763-4128 
Email: [email protected]

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

1220 Student Activities Bldg 
Phone: 734-764-7433

University Housing

1011 Student Activities Bldg 
Phone: 734-763-3164

Office of the Registrar

Central Campus 
LSA Bldg Suite 5000
Phone: 734-647-3507

Residency Classification Office
Phone: 734-764-1400

Office of New Student Programs (Orientation)

2011 Student Activities Bldg
Phone: 734-764-6413 
Email: [email protected]