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Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Sources of Aid

Financial assistance for graduate students is somewhat limited compared to assistance available to undergraduate students.  Students are only considered for the following federal loan and Work-Study programs when they apply for financial aid (for terms and conditions of these programs, please see our major financial aid programs chart):

  • Federal Perkins Loan need-based
  • Graduate Nursing Student Loan need-based
  • Health Professions (Pharmacy/Dental) Loan need-based
  • Federal Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan need-based
  • Federal Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan non-need-based
  • Work-Study Employment need-based

Students may also apply separately for private loan programs.

Our office does NOT administer scholarship, grant, or fellowship programs for graduate students (other than the few scholarships listed on our website). The primary source of information for such programs is the academic department or professional school in which you are enrolled or plan to enroll.  Deadlines for graduate awards vary.  Because many deadlines occur early in the academic year, it is important to obtain information and application materials as early as possible.  Students should also seek out private scholarships whenever possible; see our private scholarship applications and search services pages. 

RACKHAM STUDENTS:  

The Rackham Graduate Fellowships Office administers a number of fellowships and coordinates fellowship competitions. Information on these programs, as well as a variety of departmental and non-university programs, may be obtained by contacting the Graduate Fellowships Office.

OTHER SOURCES:  

You may also want to compare the terms of home equity loans (available through most lending institutions) and retirement plan loans (contact your employer's benefits representative) to the programs listed here.

Another option might be to pay your U-M student bill in installments.  See the U-M Student Financial Operations website for information on the U-M installment payment plan.

Applying for Aid

FALL/WINTER 2008-2009:  

  • Prospective students: Complete and submit a 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 15, 2008, to be considered for all aid funds for which you are eligible.  You may apply later, but this date ensures you will be considered for all aid programs for which you are eligible.
  • Continuing students:  See instructions online here.

SPRING/SUMMER:    
A separate application called a Spring/Summer Request for Funds (RFF) must be submitted to apply for Spring/Summer aid.  The 2008 Spring/Summer RFF is available online or from our office.

Federal School Code
002325


The following Schools and Colleges have their own financial aid offices and/or representatives; contact these offices directly for financial aid information:

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