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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 administers only a few scholarship, grant, and fellowship programs for graduate students (see the U-M Office of Financial Aid Scholarship Listing). 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 scholarships page.
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 2009-2010:
- Prospective students: Complete and submit a 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 1, 2009, 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 Spring/Summer RFF is available in late January or early February.
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