Required Reading

 Applying for Aid

• A 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be on file with the Office of Financial Aid. File the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov
• The University of Michigan-Flint Federal School Code is 002327.
• Students must file a FAFSA each year. Apply early. The FAFSA is available beginning in October.
• UM-Flint priority deadline – March 15.
• The last date to file a FAFSA for 2026-27 is June 30, 2027. A valid FAFSA needs to be sent to the university.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Federal financial aid, applicants must meet the following requirements as outlined by Federal Student Aid.

Two exceptions to the degree-granting program requirement:

1. Students who must take pre-requisite course work to qualify for admission into a graduate program may receive a Federal Direct Loan for up to 12 consecutive months while completing that preparatory course work. The student must be enrolled at least half-time in approved coursework documented by the program advisor, and meet the federal student financial aid eligibility requirements.
2. Students enrolled at least half-time in the teacher certification program may potentially be awarded Federal Work-Study, a Federal Direct Loan, or an application can be made by a parent for a Federal PLUS Loan (dependent students only), while enrolled in that program. Please note that students in the teacher certification program are considered undergraduate students and are subject to undergraduate loan limits.

Requirements

Financial Aid Requirements are listed in the Student Information System and students may review any outstanding or completed requirements that impact their financial aid.

The requirements in SIS may be found by taking the following steps:

1. Log in to SIS, with your unique name and password
2. If needed, select aid year from the drop down menu at the top 
3. Scroll down to Student Requirements
4. For more information regarding the requirements click the \/

Items listed under the Unsatisfied Requirements area need action by the student. Questions regarding requirements should be referred to the Office of Financial Aid or the student may review the instructions listed next to the requirement.

Check often and take action before Aug. 1

It is the responsibility of the student to check their requirements area frequently as new requirements may be added at any time. Students should submit the required documents immediately. Reminders of outstanding or incomplete requirements are sent to UM-Flint student email accounts every two weeks.

Verification

Federal regulations governing financial aid programs require the FAFSA data for some students to be reviewed. Students are selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education and by schools. 

To ensure that verification is completed before the fall semester begins all materials must be submitted IMMEDIATELY, but no later than Aug. 1. This process may take 2-3 weeks to complete.

If selected for the verification process:

1. NO federal, state, and some institutional aid are disbursed to a student’s account until all documents are received, reviewed, and processed.
2. Failure to provide the necessary documentation may result in holds being placed on your student account and prevent you from registering for classes.
3. Pell Grant-eligible students selected for verification after their aid has paid will have the Pell Grant removed from their account. The Pell Grant may be reinstated after verification is complete depending on the results.

After the verification process:

1. If the Student Aid Index changes as a result of verification, there may be a delay in certain types of aid from disbursing as the FAFSA Processing System must be notified of the change to the SAI. Students may also receive notification of an updated FAFSA Submission Summary.
2. Once verification is complete, aid will be disbursed; either on the first day of the applicable semester or on the next available disbursement date. Loans must be accepted and originated before the funds will be disbursed.
3. Students will be notified of any federal fund award amount changes with a “revised” offer notification email sent to their UM-Flint email account.
4. The possibility exists that previously verified FAFSA data may require additional verifiable items that would prevent the disbursement of most financial aid.

Terms and Conditions

• You confirm that the information reported on your aid application is correct and complete.
• You must notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing of any additional assistance that you receive.  This may result in aid being revised even after being disbursed.
• You cannot receive aid in excess of your assigned budget per institutional policies and federal regulations.
• Aid cannot be disbursed any earlier than ten days before the start of a semester.
• You must use funds listed on your Financial Aid Offer only for educationally related expenses incurred at UM-Flint for the academic year for which the funds are awarded.
• Financial aid funds are directly applied to tuition, fees, housing, and other charges that may appear on a student’s account. Any additional funds will be released as a refund to students to be used for non-billable educational costs.
• No federal, state, and some institutional aid is disbursed until all requested documents are received, reviewed, and processed.
• Students earn their financial aid by beginning attendance, continuing, and successfully completing all coursework. Students failing to begin attendance in all courses will have their aid adjusted.
• While there may be flexible enrollment deadlines offered by some programs, students should still be fully registered for the entire semester prior to the part of term 1 add/drop deadline. Failure to register by this date can impact financial aid eligibility. 
• Most types of aid require at least half-time enrollment. Scholarships have varying enrollment requirements. Students should refer to their scholarship congratulatory letter for specific enrollment requirements.  Students enrolling at a credit level different from their aid offer should submit a revision request form.  Repeat coursework may also impact enrollment level for aid purposes.
• If you officially or unofficially withdraw from a semester or stop attending your classes, your aid will require a recalculation. Depending upon when you withdraw, you may be required to repay all or part of the aid you received. If you received a federal student loan, you will be sent information on completing loan repayment “exit”.
• To remain eligible for most financial aid, students must make satisfactory academic progress toward completing degree requirements.
• All courses must be required for your degree/teaching certificate program in order to be eligible for financial aid.
• You are not in default on educational loans and do not owe a refund for any federal funds received at UM-Flint or elsewhere.
• You will respond promptly to all requests from the OFA for additional information. If you do not respond, your aid will not disburse or you may be billed for a portion or all of the financial aid disbursed to you.
• You will notify the OFA if you have been offered financial aid for a semester in which you do not plan to enroll.
• You agree to repay to UM-Flint any financial aid funds disbursed to you in error. If a mistake was made, whether by yourself, the OFA, or another agency, federal regulations require that the mistake be corrected and funds be billed back as necessary.
• The UM-Flint Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to make adjustments to financial aid offered in response to funding levels (university, state, or federal), university policy, Executive Order, or Act of Congress.
• Additional Terms & Conditions information can be found on Forms & Policies page.

Aid Offers: How to Respond to Your Aid Offer

Print or save a copy of your offer for future reference.

Aid Offers- How to Respond to Your Aid Offer

Aid offer notification is done electronically (with the exception of the first notice to new first-year students). Students receive notifications in their UM-Flint email account. Review the Terms and Conditions and the entire Required Reading document for information on your rights and responsibilities that may affect your financial aid. Please see the instructions below to view, accept and/or decline aid.

All Financial Aid Recipients

On-line acceptance/declination of federal work-study and all federal loans. Loans will be canceled if not accepted by the end of the loan period, which is typically the end of the semester. The Federal Work-Study acceptance deadline is September 30th.

Complete the following:

• Log on to SIS
• Click on “Offer”
• If needed, select aid year from the drop down menu at the top                               
• Scroll down to view aid
• In the take action column click on select to accept, decline, or modify your aid.
• Click the Submit button
• Follow instructions to review the terms and conditions

First Time Borrower

Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, & Graduate PLUS Loan Borrowers

Students borrowing through the Federal Direct Loan Program must sign a Direct Loan Electronic Master Promissory Note to receive their Direct Loan funds. This signature authorizes UM-Flint to credit Direct Loan funds to your student account. An EMPN will expire if no loan funds are paid within the first year of signing. After signing the EMPN you will immediately receive a receipt and acceptance confirmation from the federal government. The Office of Financial Aid receives electronic confirmation that the EMPN and Entrance Counseling has been completed. The EMPN is valid for up to ten years. Students will need to complete another EMPN if their original expires and they are still in need of borrowing Federal Direct Loan funds. Print or save a copy of your signed EMPN for your records (optional).

Online Signature of Electronic Master Promissory Note    

     Complete the following:

• Log on to studentaid.gov
• Click on “Complete Loan Agreement for a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan”
• Click on “Log In to Start”
• Click on “Accept”
• Click on “Start”
• Enter the required information
• Select “University of Michigan-Flint” as your school
• Review, Sign & Submit
• Print or save a copy of your Master Promissory Note for your records (optional).

Online Entrance Counseling

Students borrowing through the Federal Direct Loan Program must complete counseling to receive their Direct Loan funds.

 Complete the following:

• Log on to studentaid.gov
• Click on “Complete Counseling.”
• Select “Entrance Counseling” and click “Start.”
• Select “Michigan” as the school state.
• Select “University of Michigan-Flint” as your school.
• Click on “Notify This School.”
• Complete the counseling session online.

Receiving Your Financial Aid

If all the steps below have been completed approximately one month before the beginning of the enrollment period, every attempt will be made to release funds by the beginning of the term. The first disbursement of aid will be made no earlier than 10 days before the beginning of the fall and winter semesters. The first disbursement of aid for summer semester will be made no earlier than the first day of classes.  After the first disbursement of a semester, daily disbursements will continue on each business day throughout the semester.

• Credit Hours: You must be enrolled (not wait-listed) for the credit hours that your aid is based on. Refer to the Award Overview page on SIS to see your expected enrollment.
• Aid Offer: You must have received a Financial Aid Offer Notification, submitted all documents requested to the Office of Financial Aid, and satisfied all posted requirements. For instructions on how to accept, decline, or reduce your aid awards.
• Requirements: Outstanding requirements may prevent the disbursement of aid.
• Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans: If you have been offered one of these loans for the first time, you must complete a Direct Loan Electronic Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov using your FSA ID.  First-time loan borrowers will also need to complete the online entrance counseling at studentaid.gov.
• Financial Aid Holds: All financial aid holds must be resolved for your financial aid funds to disburse to your student account. Examples of Financial Aid Holds: students placed on Satisfactory Academic Progress WARN status, students who are anticipated to graduate and have aid for a subsequent semester or students placed on academic Up or Out status. 

Funds Applied Directly to Your Student Account

• Financial aid funds are directly applied to tuition, fees, and other charges that appear on a student’s account.
• Students are responsible for checking the status of their student account.
• All bills are emailed by the Cashier’s/Student Account Office to students in their UM-Flint email account.
• Exception: Students are responsible for confirming that tuition is paid by the due date each semester to avoid late fees assessed by the university.
• A student’s delay in submitting additional paperwork by the August 1st deadline, as specified under outstanding requirements, may result in a delay in disbursement.
• Student borrowers have the right to cancel all or a portion of a student loan (Direct or PLUS) up to 14 days after the disbursement notification of the loan.

Federal Work-Study Employment

• Federal Work-Study funds are earned as wages by working in positions on campus or through approved non-profit organizations.
• Wages are typically paid bi-weekly through the University’s payroll system (they are not applied directly to a student account). The preferred method of payment is direct deposit to a checking or savings account.  Paychecks not cashed after 180 days are VOID.  Earned funds are returned to the program if paychecks are not cashed within 240 days.
• Students who are interested in community service may find several positions available through the Work-Study program.

The Office of Human Resources maintains a listing of eligible Work-Study jobs and posts them on careers.umich.edu.

Financial Aid Refunds

Students whose financial aid is more than the charges on their student account will receive the excess funds, referred to as a stipend, to pay other educationally related expenses.

Stipend Disbursement Options

• UM-Flint is now using JP Morgan Chase Corporate Quick Pay for the processing of refunds. If you have a pending refund, you will receive an email and/or text from Chase to set up an account for electronic refunds or request a paper check. You are NOT required to have an account through Chase Bank. You can verify the refund amount by logging into the Student Account Center and viewing your account activity. Students who do not accept their refund through the electronic notification after 10 days, will automatically be sent a check in the mail. Please make sure your mobile phone number and address are up to date in the Student Information System for timely and accurate processing. 
• A check mailed to your current address as listed on SIS (void after 90 days if not cashed)
• If a parent borrows through the Parent PLUS Loan program, they have the choice of having the PLUS loan stipend mailed or directly deposited to them or released to the student.

If subsequent charges are made to a student account after a stipend is received, payment is the responsibility of the student.

Allowable expenses for stipend funds

Students may use the stipend funds to pay for any of the following educationally related expenses:

• Housing, Books, and supplies
• Transportation, Other miscellaneous expenses

Options for book purchases using stipend funds

• All stores or online sites that sell textbooks; including Barnes & Noble Book Store, University Pavilion.
  • Cash the check or deposit to a checking or savings account.
  • Direct deposited to a student’s checking or savings account.
• Review purchasing and return policies before buying or renting books.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal law establishes that all students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree to remain eligible for financial aid. Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Michigan – Flint must meet the following requirements.

Undergraduate Student

1. Students may receive financial aid for a maximum time frame of 150% of the published number of credits required to complete each degree as an undergraduate.
   1. Transfer students will be evaluated by adding their transfer credits to their attempted undergraduate credits, allowing them to receive aid for the balance of the 150% of credits required to complete each degree as an undergraduate.
   2. Students seeking a second undergraduate degree or teaching certificate may receive financial aid for a maximum time frame of 150% of the published number of credits required to complete each degree as an undergraduate. Credits that count toward the additional degree requirements will be taken into account.
2. Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the end of their second academic year.
3. Pace must be maintained by making progress through a program to ensure graduation within the maximum time frame. Pace is determined by dividing the cumulative number of passed credits (see below), including transfer, by the number of attempted credits (standard rounding rules apply). See the chart below for percentages.

Graduate Student

1. Students may receive financial aid for a maximum time frame of 150% of the published number of credits required to complete each graduate degree.
   1. Transfer students will be evaluated by adding their transfer credits to their attempted undergraduate credits, allowing them to receive aid for the balance of the 150% of credits required to complete each degree as an undergraduate.
2. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is monitored by each academic unit. 
3. Pace must be maintained by making progress through a program to ensure graduation within the maximum time frame. Pace is determined by dividing the cumulative number of passed credits (see below), including transfer, by the number of attempted credits (standard rounding rules apply). Minimum pace is 67%.  

Attempted Credits – Attempted credits include the following taken at the UM-Flint:

• Successfully completed (with passing grades)
• Transfer credits 
• Non-passing grades (i.e. E, F, I, N, W, *)
• Repeated classes 
• Dropped classes after the add/drop period
• Disenrollment from a semester after the add/drop period
• Grades that are changed to a W through the Academic Standards appeal process

Monitoring and Student Notification 

• The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) will monitor SAP at the end of each semester including Fall, Winter, and Summer.  
• Written notification will be sent to students placed on Financial Aid Warning, Financial Aid Probation, Financial Aid Termination, and Financial Aid Reinstatement.
• In cases where the academic plan is required, the OFA will monitor academic plans and provide a measurement for each student’s pace based on the duration stated in each plan.

Warning – first period after students are not making SAP standards.

• Financial aid eligibility continues for one semester and no appeal is necessary.
• Students below their overall attempted credits at the end of a semester (see chart listed above).
• Students completing zero or near zero attempted credits during the last semester attended at the university- may go to warn status.
• Pertains to the next semester the student is enrolled in classes.

Termination –a student who is not making SAP standards and who either fails to appeal their status or has their SAP appeal denied. Aid cannot be received while on this status.

• Applies to financial aid eligibility, not to registration or academic standing.
• Under the following circumstances, students will be placed on Financial Aid Termination status and will be ineligible to receive future financial aid
  • Students who have not reached the required 67% completion rate by the end of the Financial Aid Warning period (see chart above).
  • Students reaching the maximum attempted credits.
  • Students academically dismissed due to poor academic performance as prescribed by their academic unit within the University of Michigan – Flint.
  • Students completing zero or near zero attempted credits during the last semester attended at the university- may go to termination status.
  • Undergraduate students who fail to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 by the end of their second academic year.

Reinstating Financial Aid Eligibility

• Students may regain eligibility by successfully meeting all applicable criteria or through a granted SAP appeal.
• The status of students who have reached the required 67% completion rate or meet the required GPA will be changed to making SAP at the end of the warning period.

Appealing Termination 

• If special circumstances prevent students from meeting the 67% completion rate and/or graduating within the maximum time frame, the termination of eligibility may be appealed.
• Appeal forms must be submitted by the last day to add classes during the semester you are asking to reinstate aid.
• Appeal forms must be submitted with supporting documentation. 
• An appeal reviewed does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid.
• Appropriate circumstances include
  • serious medical illness or injury to the student
  • death of an immediate family member
  • other special circumstances
• Appeal forms submitted for a specific term will not be granted for that term if either of the following occur
  • appeal form received after a student has stopped attending that term
  • if the student withdraws while waiting for an appeal decision during that term
• As part of the appeal, information regarding why the student failed to make SAP, and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation must be included.
• Students may be requested to submit an academic plan that ensures achievement of at least the required 67% completion rate, the minimum required GPA, and/or graduation by a specified time frame.
• Completion rate of attempted credits taken at the university may be considered in the appeal review.
• Students granted an appeal will be placed on academic plan status and monitored each semester.
• The length of the academic plan will depend on the specifics of the appeal.
• Appeal forms are available. 

Probation – defined as any student not making SAP standards who has appealed this status, and eligibility for aid has been reinstated. Students may be required to fulfill specific terms such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses during the probation period. If a student cannot mathematically achieve SAP standards in one payment period, then an academic plan will be required.

Academic Plan – for students on probation defined as stipulation following an appeal that when followed will allow a student to achieve SAP standards in a prescribed amount of time. Eligibility for aid has been reinstated and can be received as long as all conditions of the plan are met.

Attendance – Merely logging into Canvas or other academic software does NOT constitute active participation. The Federal Department of Education defines academic attendance to include academically related activity as:

• Preparing and submitting an academic assignment
• Taking an examination
• Engaging in interactive computer-assisted instruction
• Participating in on-line discussion about academically related topics

Cost of Attendance/Budget

SIS lists an ESTIMATED budget (see Award Overview screen in SIS) used to calculate your financial aid offer. It is wise for you to plan your own budget, and assess the resources you will need to meet your actual expenses. Use the worksheet below to calculate your budget, and then the amount you and your family will need to contribute or borrow for your education. Begin the process by determining where you will be living while you attend classes.

***Please note the amounts listed below are estimates only.***

Estimated 2026-27 Full-Time, Resident Budget (14 credits/semester)

How Much You Will Need to Pay, Borrow or Work

Total Estimated Budget (from above)

Awards Listed on Your Financial Aid Offer Letter that are NOT Loans

Loans Offered on Your Financial Aid Offer Letter

Self-help Awards Listed on Your Financial Aid Offer Letter

The “Bottom Line” Estimate of what you and your family will need to pay

(Need for Parent PLUS Loan or Private Loan)

Important Notes

Tuition & Fees: Varies by academic level, enrollment status, and residency status. May also include course fees. See Tuition and Fees

Food & Housing: Includes estimated expenses for living at home, on your own, or on campus (food, utilities, etc.)

Personal: The budget allows about $36 a week (for 16 weeks) for these expenses. Consider what you will actually spend and set yourself a weekly allowance that is economical, yet realistic.

**Add these figures together. This is your total loan debt for the year.

How Need Based Aid is Determined

Financial aid programs were created with the idea that the primary responsibility for paying college costs rests with the student and their family. Need based financial aid is available to families who demonstrate a need for additional resources to help pay college costs. The formula used to determine whether you are eligible for need based aid is:

Cost of Attendance (Budget)  – Student Aid Index (SAI) – Scholarships/Other Resources (i.e. Sponsored Tuition Payments, Book Vouchers, etc.)  = Need for Aid

Your financial aid offer is based on the following factors that determine financial need:

Information on the budget and SAI can be found on the Award Overview screen on SIS (See Scholarships and Components of the budget.

Cost of Attendance (Budget)

The budget on SIS represents a reasonable estimate of the cost of attending UM-Flint for 2026-27 Fall/Winter.  Please note, the budget has different amounts for food and housing depending whether you live on your own, are living with your parents, or living in student housing as reported on the FAFSA. Dependent students may be asked to provide a lease agreement to document living arrangements.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The information you reported on your FAFSA, along with other documents on file with the Office of Financial Aid, were used to calculate your SAI. A formula called Federal Methodology, legislated by the U.S. Congress, uses information from your FAFSA and a consistent analysis of your family’s situation to calculate the SAI. The SAI is made up of two parts:

• Parent Contribution: For dependent students this portion of the SAI is calculated from parental resources (taxable and non-taxable income, and assets). Allowances for living expenses (based on family size), taxes paid, and asset protection for retirement are built into the formula.
• Student Contribution: This is the portion of the SAI that you, the student, are expected to contribute from your income and a percentage of your savings and other assets.

How Financial Aid is Offered

Aid amounts are determined by a combination of demonstrated financial need, federal maximums, and funds available, among other factors. All aid listed on the Financial Aid Offer Notification are based on estimates of the amount of funds the University will receive, the estimated number of applications, and the anticipated average need of all applicants. Therefore, aid amounts are subject to reduction or cancellation at any time during the academic year. Should any change from the aid you accepted be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest possible date.

Billable Cost

Students need to be aware of what their billable educational costs are. Billable cost represents only the budget items that the student will be billed by UM-Flint. Billable cost consists of tuition and fees and the cost of a food and housing for those living on the UM-Flint campus.

Scholarships and Other Resources

Students are encouraged to seek scholarships from UM-Flint, private sources, and to utilize other resources such as sponsored tuition payments and veterans’ benefits. Federal regulations and University policies require that most forms of assistance be counted as financial resources when determining eligibility for need-based Title IV financial aid, however, some federal veterans’ educational benefits are excluded. These scholarships and other resources will first be used to meet any gap between the budget, the SAI, and the financial aid offered. Next, they will reduce the amount of loan or Work Study offered. Only if all loans and Work Study have been replaced by scholarships or other resources will the amount of grant/scholarship aid be reduced.

Summer Aid

Summer term is considered the end of the academic year. Therefore the amount of aid that is available for distribution to students during this time depends on how much was distributed during the fall and winter semesters. The amount of grants, loans, and work-study available in summer is considerably less than what is typically available during the rest of the academic year.

• There is no application in order to be considered for Summer aid. Registration by January 31 in Summer courses serves as a student’s intent to attend. This registration will be the basis on which a student’s Summer aid will be determined. Aid will be distributed on a first come first serve basis by class standing for those who register for Summer by January 31. Students must also have a current year FAFSA on file and meet all other eligibility criteria.
• In order to be eligible for Federal Direct Student Loans during the Summer term, a student must be enrolled in at least 6 credits (4 graduate-level credits for graduate students) and have remaining loan eligibility for the academic year. Classes can not be subject to repeat coursework.

Special Circumstances

Dependency Override

Parent information is required for any student who cannot prove that they can answer “yes” to one of the dependency questions on the FAFSA. Otherwise dependent and provisionally independent students, can request an override by submitting the Dependency Override form and supporting documentation from various unbiased third parties. NOTE: requesting a dependency override does not guarantee that it will be approved. The decision of the Office of Financial Aid is final.

Circumstances that may be eligible for a dependency override

• Your custodial parent has died and the other natural parent is still living. However, you have had no contact or support from the living parent for a significant period of time.
• Extraordinary family circumstances. The circumstances may be a result of abandonment or where the student’s welfare would be placed in jeopardy if contact is continued.
• Other unusual circumstances.

Circumstances that are not acceptable reasons for a dependency override

• Student is no longer living at home.
• Student is living at home (or with relatives) but is paying rent.
• Student has ongoing arguments with parents and due to this, the parents have refused to help.
• Student has elected to put themselves through college.
• Parents have chosen to not provide financial information for the FAFSA OR provide help with the student’s college expenses. 
• Student lives with or has a step-parent who refuses to provide support.

Re-Evaluation of Financial Aid

The 2026-27 FAFSA requires tax information from the 2024 tax year. If your family’s financial circumstances have changed since filing the FAFSA, the student should contact OFA to consider filing a Re-Evaluation form with supporting documents. OFA has the ability to use professional judgment to revise the FAFSA data to reflect the current situation. 

Circumstances that may be eligible for a re-evaluation:

• Job Loss (Must be out of work for at least 10 weeks)
• Job Change
• Loss of Untaxed Income or Benefits
• Separation/Divorce
• Death of Parent/Spouse
• High Medical/Dental Expenses
• Other

All situations will require the completion of a Re-Evaluation of Financial Circumstances form and the inclusion of any supporting documentation. NOTE: A re-evaluation does not guarantee an increase in your financial assistance.

Withdrawing from the University

All withdrawal steps are handled by the Office of the Registrar. You should inquire with the Office of Financial Aid about the impact withdrawing will have on your financial aid. Depending on the withdrawal date, you may be required to repay all or a portion of the aid that you received (see the Return of Title IV Funds section).

Withdrawing from a semester significantly impacts your Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students may withdraw from the University (i.e., drop all courses) up to the withdrawal deadline set by the Office of the Registrar.  See the academic calendar for more information.  Students who want to withdraw from the semester after the withdrawal deadline will need to petition the  University Appeals Committee. 

During the Fall, Winter, or Summer Semester a student who withdraws

• during the add/drop period is assessed no withdrawal fee and receives a full tuition refund.
• during the third through the sixth week of classes is assessed one-half the tuition plus fees.
• after the sixth week of classes is assessed full tuition plus fees. 

Withdrawing from Parts of Term

• Students enrolling in both Part of Term 2 and Part of Term 3 who withdraw from Part of Term 2 must provide in writing to the Office of Financial Aid their intent to remain in the Part of Term 3 course(s). The student will be contacted with instructions on how to submit the information.
• Should a student decide to withdraw from all Part of Term 3 courses while attending the Part of Term 2, no recalculation of Part of Term 2 aid will be required.
• A decision to withdraw from the Part of Term 3 any time after Part of Term 2 has ended (this includes days between the two parts of term) will result in a recalculation of that semester’s aid and may require that the student repay part or all of the aid already received.
• Return of Funds calculations may be reversed if the student enrolls in and completes courses in a later part of term.

Fee Appeal

Extenuating circumstances may prompt a student to file an appeal to request their charges be reduced; this is called a fee appeal. Fee Appeals are handled by the Cashier’s/Student Accounts Office (261 UPAV). If a fee appeal is approved to adjust charges for a course or courses for a financial aid recipient, the information is forwarded to the Office of Financial Aid for review and potential aid adjustments. It is strongly recommended that a student speaks with the financial aid office prior to submitting a fee appeal request. There is the potential for a significant impact on financial aid.

When a fee appeal is approved for one or more courses but not all

When a fee appeal is approved for one or more courses, but not a full semester’s tuition, institutional aid is revised to reflect only the remaining credit hours. This revision may or may not alter aid

When a fee appeal is approved for the entire semester’s tuition & fees

When a fee appeal is submitted for a semester in which the student completely withdrew from all courses, a Return of Title IV funds calculation must be performed before a fee appeal adjustment can be made.

1. Reason for fee appeal is something other than non-attendance
   • Current balance due on the student’s account (for the semester the fee appeal is granted) is reviewed. If there is a negative balance on the account (showing a credit): any institutional aid is canceled.
     • Instances, where the student has paid out-of-pocket towards tuition and fees for the semester in question, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to see if any credit can be refunded to the student.
   • If there is a positive balance on the account for the semester the fee appeal is granted (showing an amount due): no action will be taken by the Office of Financial Aid
2. Reason for fee appeal is non-attendance
   • All aid for the semester is canceled (includes all sources of aid)  

Return of Title IV Funds

When you withdraw from all classes, the Office of Financial Aid must calculate how much aid you are entitled to keep. Per the federal government, students are allowed to keep the financial aid they have “earned” up to the time of withdrawal. Students “earn” financial aid with class participation. The “unearned” amount must be returned to the federal government by the University and/or the student.

Financial aid returned to the government is done so in the following order:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal Parent PLUS or Graduate PLUS Loans
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal SEOG
6. Federal TEACH Grant

In some cases, students must repay a portion of the aid that they received, and repayment arrangements must be made in order to remain eligible for aid and to re-enroll in subsequent semesters. In some cases, a refund may be due to the student. The amount of repayment or refund will be affected if there is a refund of tuition given at the time of withdrawal.Students who withdraw before 60 percent of the semester is completed are entitled to keep a portion of their award equal to the percentage of the semester that they have completed. Students who withdraw after 60 percent of the semester is completed are eligible to keep their entire award. CAUTION: SAP is still a factor in determining eligibility in future semesters. Students who withdraw and are granted a fee appeal are still subject to the Return of Title IV Funds calculation.

Repeat Coursework

The following may have an impact on the awarding of federal and university student aid:

• A student may receive aid when repeating a course that was previously failed (received an N, E, F); regardless of the number of times the course was attempted and failed.
• A student may receive aid to repeat a previously passed course (A, B, C, D, or P) one additional time ONLY.
• Once a student has completed any course with a passing grade and received aid for one retake in which a grade is earned (whether pass or fail), the student is no longer eligible to receive aid for that course, regardless if the course itself requires a higher grade to receive full credit.

The following action will occur following the add/drop period of each term:

• If a student retakes a course that is not aid eligible, a recalculation of aid will be done to exclude the credits for the repeated course.
• Not all aid will require adjustment. Students may see the adjustment on their aid offers by viewing awards in SIS.
• Students will receive notification if they are aid applicants and attempt to repeat coursework beyond the limits. Adjustments to financial aid and notification of such will occur following the add/drop period of each term. This may result in the student repaying part of their federal aid.

UM-Flint has academic policies regarding courses that may be re-elected for a defined number of attempts. Courses that must be re-elected as a requirement of a major may be covered by financial aid (i.e. music, theater, etc.). Please refer to the UM-Flint Catalog for more information on academic policies.

Students Receiving All E’s, N’s, and I’s

If a student who began attendance and has not officially withdrawn and does not earn a passing grade in at least one course offered over an entire period, UM-Flint must assume, for Title IV purposes, that the student has unofficially withdrawn unless the institution can document that the student completed the enrollment period. A Return of Title IV funds calculation will need to be completed on all students who stopped attending their courses prior to the last week of class.

Faculty include a last date of attendance when reporting failing and non-passing grades. Students, whose last day of attendance cannot be documented, will automatically have the 50 percent point of the semester used to determine any adjustments to their financial aid awards. Your last date of attendance for the previous semester at the UM-Flint is considered your disenrollment date when making adjustments to your account. Refer to the Return of Title IV Funds section or how aid will be adjusted depending on the last date of attendance (disenrollment date).

Taxable Financial Aid

All questions regarding whether or not any financial aid received is taxable should be directed to a certified tax preparer. The IRS also provides Publication 970 which provides guidance on taxable scholarships and other financial aid.

• IRS Publication 970 is available.

Consumer Information

In accordance with federal regulations set forth by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, a summary of consumer information that must be made available to all students at UM-Flint. If you need assistance obtaining the information listed or you would like a paper copy, contact the Office of Financial Aid.  The full summary of consumer information for UM-Flint is available at Consumer Information.

Types of Aid

Financial Aid is generally categorized into four types of aid:

1. Grants are usually a form of need-based gift aid that is awarded by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
2. Loans are a form of aid that will require repayment. Federal student loans allow students to borrow at special fixed interest rates and with flexible repayment plans. Students must complete the FAFSA and be an eligible student to qualify for federal student loans. While there are private loans available, it is important to pursue federal student loans first.
3. Scholarships are generally merit or need-based. Scholarships are awarded by the University, the state, and private organizations. Scholarships and grants generally do not have to be repaid or earned when awarded. While completing the FAFSA is the primary step in obtaining financial aid, it does not serve as an application for scholarships. The UM-Flint scholarship application is available to all students online annually between December and mid-February and opens again to graduate students between mid-March and June.
4. Work-Study provides students with an opportunity to work on campus or at approved non-profit organizations off-campus. Students earn wages that they can use to meet educational expenses. Students must complete the FAFSA and be offered Work-Study.

Pell Grant

A scheduled award is the maximum amount of Federal Pell Grant funding a student can receive during an award year if the student attends full-time for two semesters. An award year at UM-Flint, an begins with the Fall semester, continues through the Winter semester, and ends with the summer semester.

Your scheduled award: is partially determined by using your Student Aid Index that is calculated from the information you (and your family) provided when you filed your FAFSA; is the maximum amount you would be able to receive for the award year if you were enrolled full-time for two semesters; and represents 100% of your Pell Grant eligibility for that award year.

The minimum and maximum annual Pell Grant amounts are determined by: adjusted gross income (if required to file), household size, and the federal poverty guidelines.  All other Pell Grant amounts are determined by subtracting the SAI from the maximum published Pell Grant amount.

Pell Grant amounts are also determined by your enrollment intensity using the number of credits enrolled out of 12 full time credits.  See the chart below:

The U.S. Department of Education allows a student to receive Federal Pell Grant funds for up to 150% of the student’s Pell Grant Scheduled Award for an award year.

Additional Pell Grant Eligibility

For a student who is eligible for the additional Pell Grant funds, the institution must pay the student all of the student’s eligible Pell Grant funds, up to 150% of the student’s Pell Grant Scheduled Award for the award year. Note that the provisions of the new law state that any Pell Grant received will be included in determining the student’s Pell Grant duration of eligibility and Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

Lifetime Eligibility Used

The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds you may receive over your lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding you can receive each year is equal to 100% for fall and winter the six-year equivalent is 600%.

Additional Pell Grant Information

1. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

2. Undergraduate students approved to enroll in a graduate-level course(s) to earn graduate credit will have their Federal Pell Grant re-evaluated and may be reduced to reflect that proper Pell Grant is paid for only those undergraduate course(s) for which a student is eligible.

3. Federal regulations state that students who are eligible to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and choose to extend their enrollment without graduating cannot continue to receive the Federal Pell Grant. Students who complete the requirements to earn a degree and continue to take undergraduate courses without accepting the degree (for a second major or minor or second degree), will have their Federal Pell Grant canceled for any subsequent semesters as they are no longer eligible.

4. If it is reported by faculty that an undergraduate Federal Pell Grant eligible student never begins attending class(es), their Pell Grant will be recalculated based on their enrollment and attendance in other courses within the semester. This may cause a reduction in Pell Grant awards.

1. UM-Flint uses the census date (part of term 1 add/drop date)  of each semester as the official Pell recalculation date.  Students’ Pell Grant amounts will be recalculated for the semester based on the number of credit hours enrolled on the census date.  If a student drops a course(s) from any part of term prior to census date, they will not receive Pell Grant for that course(s).  Pell Grant cannot be increased after the census date for a part of term 3 course added after the census date for students enrolled in other courses at the census date.  Students who are not enrolled at the census date, but later register for part of term 3 only course(s) can receive Pell Grant, if eligible.

Teacher Education Assistance for College Grant

Amount of Grant

The federal TEACH Grant Program will provide up to $4,000 per year ($16,000 total for four-year undergraduate programs;

$8,000 total for graduate studies) in grants to students who plan to teach full-time in high-need subject areas at schools that serve students from low-income families. Three-quarter-time students can receive up to $3,000 per year; half-time students can receive up to $2,000 per year, and less-than-half-time students can receive up to $1,000 per year.

•  For any 2025-26, TEACH Grant first is disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2025, the maximum award of $4,000 is reduced by 5.7% ($228), resulting in a maximum award of $3,772.

However, because total financial aid must not exceed the cost of attendance, receiving a TEACH Grant may reduce the recipient’s eligibility for other sources of financial aid. In other words, don’t assume that you will automatically have a credit on your account. Loans that have already been awarded may be replaced by the grant.

Also, federal regulations stipulate that institutions are restricted in calculating a student’s eligibility for Federal TEACH Grant funds as of the add/drop date (hereinafter referred to as the Census Date). The Census Date, determined for each semester by the UM-Flint Office of the Registrar, is the last date by which a student may add courses without petitioning or drop courses with a fee adjustment.

Consequently, Federal Teach Grant funds must be determined by the number of credits for which a student enrolls and begins attendance as of the Census Date in any given semester. Credit hours added or dropped after the published date will not increase or decrease Federal TEACH Grant funds unless a student fails to begin attendance in any of the courses. Refer to the Office of the Registrar’s website for published Census Date for each semester.

Teaching Obligation

Grant recipients agree to teach for at least four years within eight years of finishing their teacher preparation program and to teach high-need subjects in designated schools that serve low-income students (designated as Title I). If you do not complete the four-year teaching obligation, your grant will convert to an unsubsidized loan, which you will have to repay with interest calculated back to the date the funds were disbursed.

• Each year you receive a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve Or Repay (agreement), which is available electronically at studentaid.gov.
• TEACH Grant Conversion Counseling is for recipients whose TEACH Grants have been converted (or are in the process of being converted) to Direct Unsubsidized Loans.  TEACH Grant Conversion Counseling helps prepare borrowers to begin repaying their new Direct Unsubsidized Loans by explaining the terms and conditions that apply to their loans, the impact of the loans on their overall loan balances, and options to help with repayment. TEACH Grant Conversion Counseling also explains the conditions under which grant recipients can ask the TEACH Grant servicer to reconsider the conversion of their TEACH Grants to Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

To be eligible for a TEACH Grant, you must

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Be enrolled in coursework or plan to complete coursework toward a career in teaching and/or in a high-need subject area
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) as a high school graduate and maintain that GPA throughout your academic program (or score above the 75th percentile on at least one battery on a national standardized college admissions scholar

High Need Subject Areas

• BS Math, BS Integrated Science TCP
• MA with Secondary Teacher Certification

Loan Information- Federal Loan Overview

All questions regarding whether or not any financial aid received is taxable should be directed to a certified tax preparer. The IRS also provides Publication 970 which provides guidance on taxable scholarships and other financial aid.

Students or parents of students who accept Title IV loan funding from Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, or Graduate PLUS loan programs will have their loan information submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) as required by federal regulation.  Please be aware that authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions will have access to this information.  Student and parent borrowers are also able to access their loan information through their account at studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan 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 the Subsidized Loan do not accrue interest on the loan while they are enrolled at least half-time; conversely, students borrowing the Unsubsidized Loan accrue interest while they are enrolled in school. The Unsubsidized Loan does allow you to defer the interest payments until you graduate; however, this will result in a higher loan payment over the life of the loan, so you will pay more long term.

* Graduate students who register for a combination of undergraduate and graduate classes must be enrolled at least half-time in courses that count towards their degree to receive graduate-level loans. Loans will be reduced to undergraduate loan limits for students who do not meet that requirement. *       

See the FSA website for the most up-to-date information regarding Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loan Amount Limits.

Loan Information- Additional Loans

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for Parents of Dependent Undergraduate Students

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is intended to assist those families who are not eligible for other types of financial aid and/or who have remaining financial need after other forms of financial aid have been offered. The maximum that can be borrowed each year is $20,000 per dependent student. The borrower in this program is the parent of a dependent undergraduate student. For the 2026-2027 academic year; the application will be available online at studentaid.gov in May 2026. You must reapply for the PLUS Loan each year that you wish to receive it.  NOTE:  A parent can request loan deferment while the student is enrolled in at least half-time status.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan for graduate students is intended to assist those who are not eligible for other types of financial aid and/or who have remaining financial need after other forms of financial aid have been offered. The maximum that can be borrowed each year is the cost of attendance (budget) minus all other financial aid offered. The borrower in this program is the student. Information is available from the Office of Financial Aid. For the 2026-2027 academic year; the application will be available online at studentaid.gov in May 2026. You must reapply for the PLUS Loan each year that you wish to receive it.  *NOTE: This program is being eliminated for new PLUS borrowers, effective July 1, 2026. Graduate PLUS Loan borrowers who are continuing in the same program may continue using this loan for up to three years or graduation, whichever is less.*

Students must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for a Parent PLUS or Graduate PLUS loan. Schools must determine a student’s annual eligibility for Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans even if the student chooses not to borrow through those programs.

Private Loan Sources

If you have considered all other options and you feel that additional financing is necessary to meet your educational costs, see our website at umflint.edu/finaid for information on private loans. Apply for private loans separately and be sure to compare their rates and terms carefully.

Student 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. Beware of loan offers you did not initiate. Deceptive marketing tactics are not illegal in the world of private student loans. It is always in a student’s best interest to explore federal loan options before applying for private loans.

Managing Your Educational Loan Debt

Students should be aware that borrowing loan funds does affect future credit and indebtedness. 

Students should give careful consideration to borrowing only what is absolutely necessary to pay for their educational expenses related to their attendance here at UM-Flint.

Transfer students who have a student loan debt equal to 70% or more of their aggregate maximum will be encouraged to schedule a meeting with financial aid. This notification will be on the requirements screen in SIS.

Students should be advised that failure to enter into repayment after their grace period ends will put their loans into a delinquent or defaulted status. This will adversely reflect on your credit rating. Students who are unable to make their payment arrangements should contact their servicer immediately.
All educational loan debt needs to be repaid. However, in some circumstances, a student may be able to postpone repayment with a deferment or forbearance. In other extreme situations, the student may be completely released from the obligation of repayment due to a loan discharge or cancellation. Refer to studentaid.gov for more information and to see if you may qualify.

Loan Information – Repayment

Your loan servicer will send you information about repayment, and you’ll be notified of the date repayment begins. However, you’re responsible for beginning repayment on time even if you don’t receive this information. Failing to make payments on your loan can lead to default.

There are several repayment plans to help you manage this important financial responsibility. All students will initially be put on a standard repayment plan.  The standard repayment plan is outlined in the table below. The U.S. Department of Education also offers fixed and income driven repayment plans.  You can change plans to suit your financial circumstances.  More information regarding the federal repayment plans is available at Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans.  

In order to compare repayment plans, you can use a payment estimator offered by the U.S. Department of Education at Loan Simulator.

Scholarships

Private Scholarships

• If your scholarship check is sent to the University, it will be directly applied to your University student account, typically half in the Fall Term, half in the Winter Term, unless otherwise specified by the scholarship sponsor. If the payment creates a credit balance on your university student account, the credit will be released to you.
• If your scholarship check is sent directly to you, and it is made co-payable to you and the University, endorse the check and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid for processing. Be sure to include your UMID number with the check.
• If your check is made payable to you only, it is your responsibility to apply any funds necessary to your University student account. You must also report receipt of these funds to the Office of Financial Aid to be considered as a resource.
• Private scholarships may affect other offered aid.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the donor’s valid address and contact information is on or included with the scholarship check. Failure to provide this information will delay funds from disbursing.

UM-Flint Scholarships

• UM-Flint scholarships that are based on actual resident (in-state) tuition/mandatory fees (in full or in part) will be calculated and applied to students’ accounts after the add/drop deadline of the semester.
• Recipients of scholarship funds are required to maintain the conditions of the scholarship for which it is designed (i.e., GPA, major, class enrollment, etc.) or students are in jeopardy of losing the scholarship at any time during the academic year.
• UM-Flint reserves the right to reduce and will restrict the awarding of University-funded grants, scholarships, and/or campus-based federal funds when other resources are received that may meet or exceed a student’s full need.

Work Study

Federal Work-Study funds are need-based and earned as wages by working for eligible employers on or off-campus.  To view and apply for work study jobs, go to: careers.umich.edu.  Students earn paychecks for work performed and work-Study wages do NOT apply directly to your student account.  Work study funds must be accepted on SIS by September 30th and have paid earnings by the end of October.  Funds may be canceled after October if funds are not being earned.

Student Information System

The Student Information System is a secure website that allows students 24/7 online access to their student information, including financial aid information. Your award amounts, estimated cost of attendance, required next steps, account balance, and more can all be found on SIS.

How to Use the Student Information System

1. Go to finaid.umflint.edu
2. Log on with your UM-Flint uniqname and LAN password (If you don’t know your uniqname and LAN password or have trouble logging on to SIS, contact UM-Flint’s Helpdesk at 810-766-6804)
3. Select Aid year if needed

How to Find Information on SIS: Once you are in the Financial Aid area of SIS, you can access a range of information about your financial aid awards and status.

IMPORTANT:  Students should log in to finaid.umflint.edu regularly to keep track of their financial aid status.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to ask a school

• The names of its accrediting or licensing organizations.
• About its programs and facilities.
• What the cost of attendance is and its policy on refunds for students who drop classes and withdraw.
• What financial assistance is available including: Federal, state, private, and institutional financial aid programs.
• What the procedures and deadlines are for submitting a financial aid application.
• How it selects financial aid recipients.
• How it determines financial need.
• How much of your financial need has been met by financial aid.
• To explain the types and amounts of aid you receive in your offer notice.
• What the interest rate is on any student loans, the amount you must repay, the length of time you have to repay, when repayment begins, and what cancellation or deferment options you may have.
• If you are offered Federal Work-Study, what kind of job, what hours must you work, what your duties will be, the rate of pay, and how you will be paid.
• To reconsider your offer if you believe a mistake has been made, if your enrollment, or financial circumstances change.
• How they determine SAP and the consequences if you do not meet the standard.
• What facilities and services are available to disabled students.
• Information on campus safety and crime.

You have the responsibility to

• Review all information about a school before you enroll.
• Pay attention to your application for financial aid. Complete it as completely and totally as possible. Submit the application on time and to the right place. Errors may delay or even prevent you from receiving financial aid.
• Know and comply with all deadlines for applying and reapplying for aid.
• Provide all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by the Financial Aid Office.
• Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms that you are required to sign.
• Repay any student loans that you have. When you sign a promissory note, you have made a contractual agreement to repay your loan.
• Participate in the Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling processes at your school if you have any Federal student loans.
• Notify your school of a change in your name, address, or attendance status. If you have a loan, you must also notify all current and prior lenders of these changes. 
• Satisfactorily perform all the work agreed upon in a Federal Work-Study job.
• Understand the important school policies that affect you: Refund policy, Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, and changes to your financial aid if you drop classes or withdraw (officially or unofficially).

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